Interview: Saphera Peters of SAFRAHS Studio

Saphera Peters is a 22-year-old South Asian artist based in Brampton, Ontario who specializes in illustrations and sneaker + clothing customizations. As a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo with a Bachelors in Global Business and Digital Arts, Saphera’s main focus has shifted to empower and grow the representation of South Asian womxn through her art. When she’s not making an illustration or painting some sneakers, Saphera loves to practice yoga, ride her bike, or try picking up a new skill like boxing, sewing, or skateboarding!

Has the pandemic affected your freelance work, art style or lifestyle in any way? How have you been coping?

The pandemic has definitely impacted my art for the good AND the bad. There are days where I feel super unmotivated being in the same eternal environment all the time. I don’t have any inspiration to create thus tempting me to rot away while watching Netflix. But then there are other days where I will go on a bike ride, meditate, or do some cleansing yoga sequences that will uplift and inspire me to create. I would say that trying to have a positive outlook on the crappy side of situations has definitely been key in all of this. Additionally, I have been trying to switch things up to not fall into repetitive routines. I find myself losing motivation over time when I’m stuck doing the same things. In the midst of all the chaos going on, I wish I could just put the world and my responsibilities on pause, and simply make art.

Your art is very reflective of your South Asian nationality with a modern twist I’d say, is that the aim of your work? How would you personally describe your art style?

I grew up being very distant from my cultural heritage whenever I was away from my home, and it wasn’t until I was in university and made other South Asian friends that I realized how unhappy I was with that fact. Over the past year I have been diving deeper into my family history and cultural background by talking to family members, studying old Bollywood films, and researching historical events that took place in India, and I’ve become more proud of my roots. This revelation is what made me want to showcase South Asian culture through my art. In fact, one of my current illustration series revolves around a young South Asian woman named Gia, who is going through the ups and down of being a second generation American, and all that comes with having to navigate two cultures. I realize it’s so important for me to portray South Asian womxn and the realities of what we experience as a whole living as children of the diaspora. Growing up, I felt very disconnected and lonely, and it would’ve meant the world to me if I had someone I could relate and talk to. I feel as though I am loudly and proudly reclaiming the voice that I silenced inside of me for so many years. 

You also do customized sneakers and clothing - very cool! - how did you come about this medium? Do you have any designers in mind that inspired you?

I started customizing sneakers and clothing back in September 2019 while I was working on a personal 365 day illustration project inspired by a platform called Futureland. I remember randomly reflecting one day about how much I was enjoying creating digital art during this project when I thought to myself, “Why don’t I take this beyond the digital scope?” Considering I was, and still am, really into sneakers and fashion, it only made sense for me to design something I could wear. I ended up customizing a pair of Air Force 1s for myself and posted the final piece on my Instagram. After that post, I got a handful of messages from friends requesting me to do a pair for them, and it just took off from there!

What does your creative process look like? How do you find inspiration?

My inspirations honestly come from watching other small artists thrive and create. When I’m super uninspired, I find myself going through different hashtags related to small illustrators and customizers on Instagram. Even though I’m simply admiring through the screen of my phone, I feel as though I’m feeding off of their creative energies. In terms of my creative process, it depends on what medium we’re discussing, but I don’t really have a set one yet. When I’m illustrating something related to South Asian culture, I love listening to Bollywood and Punjabi music to reconnect myself in the process. When I’m painting a pair of kicks, I usually find myself listening to a podcast, binging a show on Netflix, or finding new music on Soundcloud. 

Bonus Question: What is your dream project?

My dream project would be to create a very visible mural in Downtown Toronto of a boss ass Brown Girl.

Bonus Question: What is next for you?

I have a lot of short and long term goals planned right now that I can’t give away just yet! Although one long term goal that I can talk about is my desire to incorporate my illustrations into my customizations down the road and unify my brand “SAFRAHS” into one. Keep an eye out!

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You can find more of Saphera on her Instagram: @sapherapeters (personal), @safrahs.studio (illustrations) and @safrahs.customs (sneakers + clothing customizations).