I am a multidisciplinary visual artist originally from Lebanon. My family and I relocated to San Antonio, Texas when I was 14, escaping the war and economic hardships. With this transition came many challenges, not the least of which was the need to learn a new language while adjusting to a foreign way of life and navigating through the culture shock of it all. I often escaped into daydreams, channeling my emotions into transforming blank canvases into surreal imagery. Art became my sanctuary, a way to process the profound contrasts between the life I left behind and the one I was building.
As a child, I traveled frequently between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, where my father worked as a civil engineer. Due to war, it was difficult to find work, and left my family no choice but to leave our home. Saudi Arabia was a challenging place for me, with its stark gender roles, daily prayers, and cultural restrictions especially on women. While challenging at the time, these experiences provided invaluable insight into cultural diversity and human adaptability. They continue to influence my art, which often explores themes of connection, struggle, and resilience.
When it became even harder and harder to survive in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, my father relocated us to Texas where he had a work opportunity. I experienced a lot of racism in Texas, and Arab and queer hate. After 4 years in Texas, I moved to Oakland when I was 18 to formally pursue my passion for art, where I found a vibrant and diverse artistic community that helped me further hone my craft. I found a place of acceptance and creative expression amongst many. I studied illustration at the California College of the Arts and Crafts, a decision that laid the foundation for a thriving artistic career. My thirst for growth led me to continue my studies at the Peralta Colleges, where I delved into printmaking, painting, and drawing while taking anthropology courses that profoundly shaped my creative perspective. Learning about the lives of indigenous peoples and their unique relationships with the world resonated deeply with my own experiences of cultural duality—being rooted in the vibrant, communal culture of Lebanon while navigating the competitive individualism of the United States.The dynamic energy of the Bay Area, combined with my rich multicultural experiences, deeply influenced my creative journey and shaped the unique voice that defines my work today.
Over the years, I have grown from a young dreamer into an established artist whose work is sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. My art, often described as hauntingly beautiful and surreal, combines intricate detail with powerful storytelling. I specialize in creating magical realms populated by women, animals, plants, and patterns of nature, reflecting themes of resilience, transformation, and nostalgia. Many of my pieces are emotional self-portraits, using fantasy and natural elements to explore universal human experiences like loneliness, belonging, and the interplay between struggle and hope. These pieces reflect not only personal growth but also my deep reverence for nature and its connection to identity and heritage. It is in equal parts due to my fascination with anthropology, my experiences around the world, and having seen how very diverse peoples lives can be, that I am driven to attempt to create magical places where people live in harmony with nature on canvas.
I am known for my meticulous detail and innovative techniques. I often begin my work with precise charcoal sketches, building layer upon layer with thin washes of acrylic or oil paint. My materials range from found objects like reclaimed doors and wood to traditional canvases, reflecting my belief in breathing new life into forgotten or overlooked things. My creative process is a combination of imagination, personal experience, and inspiration drawn from every day life, nature, and my dreams.
I enjoy working with fine-detail tools like mechanical pencils and ink nibs, to oil acrylic and gouache paint. My process often begins with detailed charcoal sketches, followed by layer after layer of acrylic or oil paint.
My dedication to my craft has allowed me to achieve milestones I once only imagined. I have built a thriving art career, showcasing my work in galleries across the country and earning recognition for my unique style and voice. Beyond professional success, I have achieved personal milestones, including purchasing my own home in Los Angeles—a dream that once felt unattainable when my family arrived in the U.S. as immigrants with hardly any money. I have created a life where I continue to evolve artistically while contributing to my local and global artistic communities.
Having lived in diverse places, from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia, Texas, the Bay Area, and now Los Angeles, my art reflects a rich tapestry of experiences. Each place has left its mark on me—from the warmth and communal spirit of Lebanon to the stark cultural contrasts of Saudi Arabia and the vibrant artistic energy of California. These experiences have shaped my vision, teaching me the importance of adaptability, empathy, understanding, and finding beauty in life’s contrasts.
Today, I am not only an artist but a storyteller and a cultural bridge. My work is a testament to the power of creativity to heal, connect, and transform, and I am proud to contribute to the world through my art, one canvas at a time.