“Ameen’s work is a celebration of place—whether it’s the neighborhoods of Seattle or the streets of India—and the people who inhabit them. Her art tells the stories of resilience, strength, and beauty found in both the physical and cultural landscapes that shape her life.”
Ameen Dhillon is a Seattle-based artist, originally from Victoria, BC, who has lived in the Ballard neighborhood for over two decades. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Ameen specialized in printmaking and painting, with a particular focus on stone lithography. Her work is deeply inspired by the urban environment and her Indian heritage, creating a unique fusion of place and personal history.
Throughout her artistic career, Ameen has been drawn to the architecture of the everyday—doors, windows, and shopfronts—which recur as central themes in her work. From iconic neighborhood spots in Seattle to the ornate facades of Spain and Portugal, these places tell stories of community, culture, and history. Recently, her creative focus has shifted toward watercolor, a medium that allows her to capture the essence of these urban landscapes in a delicate yet expressive way.
Ameen’s current practice spans three distinct but interconnected bodies of work. The first is a growing series of small watercolors that document Seattle’s beloved dive bars, fish and chips joints, and local coffee shops—spaces that embody the heartbeat of the city’s neighborhoods. Her second series takes inspiration from her travels, particularly extended stays in Spain and Portugal, where she became captivated by the charm of doors, windows, and shopfronts. These vibrant watercolors reflect the beauty and history embedded in these urban spaces.
The third and most personal body of work draws heavily from Ameen’s Indian/Punjabi roots. In her ongoing series she explores the strength and grace of Indian women in their everyday lives. These paintings depict women as they move through abstracted spaces or bustling markets, often seen from behind, carrying the weight of their burdens with quiet dignity. This imagery reflects Ameen’s own journey of embracing her cultural heritage, which was once kept hidden in her family’s assimilation into Western culture.
