Artist's Biography: History

I was born in Egypt and raised up in Cairo by a moderate family. Many people have seen me as the daughter of the Nile, but I see myself as the daughter of nature. Nature can be my food, waters and oxygen. My first pencil drawing was done at the age of seven. Since then, painting has become my window from which I perceive life, nature, truths and peoples. Remembering the first drawing in water colors, I had painted in school caused me tears of frustration because I couldn't get the fine details were in my mind. Those moments stood behind the creation of realism oil paintings. Ever since, I have held it as my life's passion which turned to be my serious career. I used to spend my allowance to buy art supplies and paint all nights or early mornings (even though what I wanted was chocolates and play). In comparison however, painting has been my ultimate joy and more valuable to me than any amount of chocolate could have been.

Persistent in my artwork, I was surprised by a whole set of oil colors including brushes and canvases that was a beautiful gift from my lovely Mother. I was so overjoyed and immediately, started my first oil painting, at age of twelve, of a country scene from my imagination. My family loved it enough that my dear Mother took it to get framed. Unexpectedly, my Mother came home, without my painting and happily announced that was sold to the owner who offered her a good price. My Mother was happy for me but I had mixed feelings. While I was impressed that someone loved my painting enough to buy it, I missed my painting very much and resulted of not wanting to sell anymore for a while. However, I started to give some away as gifts to those dear to me but later sold few on a commission basis.

During my primary school, I have received five certificates of appreciation in visual arts. In high School, I had exhibition where the Minister of high education attended and gave me a Certificate of Honor on my painting” The High Asswan Dam” dimensions: 76cm x 51cm. Then, I attended University of Fine Art for five years and learned life / figures drawings, perspective, sculptures, art of advertising, art history, architectural drafting and presentation and specialized, second year, in interior and exterior design which I had done for some time.

In 1982, I worked as a Graphic Artist in Toronto, Canada and was thrilled when was chosen to produce an oil painting of the "Canadian Constitution Acts" which was presented to the previous Prime Minister Mr. Pierre E. Trudeau. The painting is still hanging in his house in Montreal. My name appeared in the Toronto Star Newspaper highlighting on this painting. Broadening my art avenues, I took courses in "Commercial Arts", "Desktop Publishing" and "Digital Media". I had worked as a layout artist for Sears Canada Inc. and a freelancer-Graphic designer for some time as well a draft person.

When art was not doing well during the rescission, I had to explore a new experience, in order to make living and obtained a diploma in business administration and worked for Canada Post Cooperation, Ottawa. Although, it was not my free choice but again during the past period, I was still painting evenings and making additions to my collections. I had to sell some of my paintings at times, and some were done on commission requests. 1996, I sold two paintings in an Art exhibition in the O'Keefe center, Toronto to raise funds for the Canadian Opera. Since then, I have been participating in local, national and International Art Exhibitions. Some of my paintings, art reproductions and greeting cards were sold in Canada, United States, Europe, Australia and Africa (Egypt).

The verity of experience and education I have, has contributed to the uniqueness and the depth of my realism style. Happily, I received many similar comments from admirers / buyers saying that my art is; “pure, reflects spirit of love, has vibes, spiritual, looks like The Golden Age-all luminous and joyful, vivid as if there was no pollution, you are a true Renaissance woman”. Thanks to all and I would quote this expression; "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. “ Pablo Picasso (October 1881- April 1973). I am not Raphael, neither am I Picasso, but would love to paint as that child who innocently sees only the purity of nature as is with all its richness. What is more beautiful than nature itself!

Painting has become my career when I learned to let go. This result I have passed on to my art students for I have taught private art lessons, for some years. It pleases me seeing my students successful in their schools and art colleges as well.

Yes, painting will always remain as my first passion and option where my own world is.

I would welcome your comments and further enquiries at: + 1-613-767-9739 or by e-mail message to: info at mona-gallery dot com, thank you.