Meet Dina Elsaid | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dina Elsaid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dina, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Creating art always felt like a calling I couldn’t ignore.
Art has always been a way for me to express emotions and stories that words often cannot capture. Over time, I realized how much joy and fulfillment it brought me, not just in the process but in how my work resonates with others. Art became a form of meditation and healing, both for myself and those who connect with my pieces. It’s deeply rewarding to create something that inspires introspection, empowerment, and connection, and I wanted to dedicate myself fully to that purpose. Choosing this path allowed me to embrace who I am and share that with the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in themes of womanhood, empowerment, and spirituality, drawing inspiration from my Egyptian heritage and Middle Eastern upbringing. I work primarily with water-based mediums like watercolor, gouache, and acrylic gouache, often incorporating intricate patterns and bold colors that create a sense of depth and storytelling. What sets my work apart is its introspective and meditative nature—each piece is a reflection of personal growth, resilience, and healing.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my art has resonated with others. Seeing people connect with my work and hearing how it inspires them is incredibly rewarding. I’m particularly excited about my ongoing series that explores cultural intersections, blending patterns and motifs from different traditions to highlight our shared humanity.

Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. Shifting my focus entirely to art meant stepping out of my comfort zone, leaving behind a more traditional career path, and facing the uncertainties of building an art business. There were moments of doubt, but I leaned on my perseverance and found strength in the process itself. The lessons I’ve learned include trusting the process, embracing failure as part of growth, and staying authentic to my vision.

I also overcame challenges by surrounding myself with a supportive community. Building friendships with fellow artists and creatives in Dallas and DFW has been a game-changer. They inspire and motivate me, and our shared passion for art reminds me why I chose this path.

What I want the world to know about my art and story is that it’s all about connection and empowerment. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own stories, celebrate their resilience, and find beauty in their journey. My art is not just a reflection of who I am but an invitation for others to see themselves in it too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question.
If my best friend is visiting, I’d make sure their week was packed with art, culture, and the best of Dallas and DFW.

We’d start with a day immersed in the arts. A morning visit to the Dallas Museum of Art and a stroll through Klyde Warren Park, followed by lunch at one of the food trucks at the park. In the afternoon, we’d explore the Nasher Sculpture Center’s incredible sculptures and wrap up the evening with drinks at a hotel rooftop bar, enjoying stunning city views.

The next day would be all about the vibrant energy of Deep Ellum. We’d wander through the streets, admiring murals and stopping at Emporium Pies for a treat. We would explore the galleries there and maybe go to The Free Man Cajun lounge for some jazz and a Po’Boy.

The next day, we’d head to one of my favorite places in Dallas: the Bishop Arts District. We’d spend the whole day exploring Oak Cliff, visiting its galleries and boutiques, and soaking in the district’s charm. A stop at The Wild Detectives would be a must for coffee and a laid-back vibe. At night, we’d hop from one bar and lounge to the next, enjoying all sorts of music and the vibrant nightlife that makes this area so special.

We’ll have to spend a day or two in Fort Worth for sure. Visit the stockyards and get immersed in the cowboy western culture.
Fort Worth’s museums are truly incredible, offering a rich variety of art that ranges from contemporary masterpieces at the Modern Art Museum to timeless classical works at the Kimbell Art Museum. Each space is beautifully designed, creating an inspiring experience that caters to every art lover’s taste.

A very important stop I make with all the special friends who visit me is Hutchin’s BBQ in Frisco. In my opinion, they’re the best—especially their beef ribs, which fall right off the bone. And now, just thinking about it, I’ve made myself hungry!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much of my journey to the unwavering support of my children, who inspire me daily with their curiosity and creativity. They remind me of the joy in making and exploring, which often reflects in my work.

My own perseverance and resilience have also been key to my success. Choosing to pursue art as a career hasn’t always been easy, but staying committed to my vision and trusting the process has carried me through challenges.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the new friendships I’ve built with amazing artists and creatives in Dallas and the DFW area. Their encouragement, collaboration, and shared passion have enriched my journey and motivated me to continue pushing my boundaries.

The New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts and the guidance of Ausiklis Ozols, whose color theory classes transformed how I see and create, also played a key role. Organizations like the Plano Art Association and the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco have provided invaluable opportunities to showcase my work and connect with the creative community.

Website: https://www.dinaelsaidart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dina.art.realty/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-elsaid/

Image Credits
My art at Pancakes and Booze event at Deep Ellum Art co May 2024.

My kids and I with my art in the background, The Other Art Fair Dallas May 2024.

My booth at Vibe Artisian Market at Gilley’s in Dallas, November 2024.

Booth at The Other Art Fair Dallas, May 2024.

One of my paintings from Tex-Giza series, Watercolor on cotton paper.

“Catharsis”, Mixed media on paper.