For Birmingham-based artist Haseebah, creativity is never just about ink and paper. It’s about identity, storytelling, and the ties that bind her to both her cultural heritage and the community she calls home.

Through printmaking – from lino and etching to the delicate craft of Japanese woodblock – she builds pieces that reflect not only her South Asian Muslim roots but also the energy of the city around her.

Let’s step into her world for a day filled with patterns, people, and the power of place.
 


Inspiration in Balsall Heath

Much of Haseebah’s work begins close to home. Growing up in Balsall Heath shaped her perspective as both a person and an artist.

“Being from Balsall Heath has really impacted my artistic career,” she says. “I seek a lot of creativity through the storytelling within my own culture – but also from the community I’m based in.”

Whether it’s geometric patterns inspired by Islamic art or motifs drawn from everyday life in her neighbourhood, her prints carry a rhythm of both past and present.
 


Crafting prints at Stirchley Printworks

 

When she’s not in her own studio, you’ll find Haseebah at Stirchley Printworks, a vibrant artist-led hub known for its collaborative spirit.

“It’s got such a great community of artists,” she explains. “We’re always giving each other opportunities. It’s a really nice space and environment.”

The whirr of presses, the smell of ink, and the sight of intricate blocks drying on racks create an atmosphere that’s as energising as it is welcoming. Here, creativity flows not in isolation, but through connection.
 


Stories in every stroke

Haseebah’s pieces often blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes. Japanese woodblock, with its precision and patience, has recently become part of her practice, sitting alongside lino and etching.

Her prints tell stories – of culture, of identity, of place. Motifs echo Islamic art traditions, while patterns map out narratives from her South Asian heritage. Yet each piece also speaks to Birmingham itself: bold, diverse, and deeply collaborative.
 


A city that anchors

Though her career has taken her across the UK, Haseebah is certain of one thing: Birmingham is home.

“I’m an artist that has worked all around the country, but Birmingham takes a specific hold in my heart,” she says. “It’s just so vibrant and collaborative. I’m so proud to be from Birmingham.”

That pride pulses through her work, each print carrying both personal history and the wider story of a city built on diversity, resilience, and creativity.
 


Plan your visit

Curious to see Birmingham’s creative scene for yourself? Start in neighbourhoods like Balsall Heath and Stirchley, where artist-led spaces and community hubs continue to nurture local talent. Look out for open studios, workshops, and exhibitions – chances to meet makers like Haseebah and see the stories behind their craft.

Because in Birmingham, creativity isn’t just made – it’s shared.