00:02:43 minutes

In the midst of pandemic lockdowns, my videographer friend Hasi Eldib and I collaborated on a video project that uncovered why I paint. Hooked up to a mic, I walked Hasi through my oil painting process and discussed why I’m driven to show others how to find joy and fulfilment through art, like I have.

It was a lesson in heart-led storytelling and trusting the creative process. When we stopped trying to control the outcome, the project created itself.

Oil on canvas
30” by 60”

Over the years, I innately turned to art to seek therapy without ever knowing it.

When I first started painting, I gravitated to landscapes of places that evoked uncomfortable feelings for me. Supported by my mentor and art coach, I was able to heal revisit these feelings by transforming them into beautiful (to me) representations of these places.

I discovered later that I use the process to meditate on the positive aspects of these places.

Oil on canvas
4’ by 5’

To express feelings of love and gratitude for the water in this painting, I chose to stain the canvas a bright magenta. Taking creative risks like this, especially on such a large project, has not come easily for me. With practice, however, I’ve learned to blindly trust the process and that everything will work out eventually. If it doesn’t, it was a good learning experience.

I love the metaphors for life that my painting journey has provided me.

Oil on canvas
33” by 48”

I painted this piece after my first solo trip to New York City. I took the reference photo on our descent in the early hours of a late-summer morning. The city looked small and vulnerable, just waking up from a restful sleep. Seeing the city in this light dissolved my fears to traverse, explore and connect with the city on my own.

I continue to paint places with an aerial perspective to represent my willingness to overcome anxieties connecting with a new place or culture.

Mixed media on paper
11” by 8.5”

Inspired by the cover of my friend’s favourite childhood book, I created this baby shower gift for her using ink, acrylic and oil.

I do some of my best work when I make sentimental gifts for loved ones, inspired by their interests, passions and taste in decor.

Ripped magazines on paper
11” by 8.5”

It astounds me that this collage only took 10 minutes. As an art therapy exercise, I used the “intuitive collage” method taught by Expressive Arts Educator Shelley Klammer. The process enthralled me from start to finish.

It is still up for debate which I love more: the final product or the insights I gained from conversing with it.

Ink, pencil crayon and watercolour on paper
4” by 7”

This postcard was created during my first formal art therapy class.

We were instructed to explore our strengths and values. After journaling, I used a colour chart published in the book Thought-Forms by Annie Besant and C. W. Leadbeater which explores the meanings of aura colours. With watercolour, I used the colour chart to highlight parts of my free-hand doodle.

Graphic Transcription of “Routes of Safety”
with ProCreate

After a visual note-taking training, and in an attempt to exercise memory retention, I started transcribing my favourite podcasts, videos and articles into graphics. In addition to practicing my new skill, I used the technique to slow down and reflect on the information I was consuming.

This library of graphics is now a resource I share with students, colleagues and friends. I have also started to teach this style of note-taking as an effective memory aid and study strategy.

Digital post for Instagram
with Canva

My role as a communications strategist has given me many opportunities to experiment with new applications, programs and information-sharing techniques. Although such technologies have advanced significantly since 2016, I remain keen to stay up-to-date on the trending tools used to integrate a digital world.

Back in 2016, my fellow cofounders and I hosted an event to celebrate the establishment of Dog-Eared Books Publishing House. We launched 4 books that night and were joined by over 200 guests from far and wide. I attribute our success to a current, cohesive and professional marketing strategy that required skills using the latest tools at the time (e.g., iMovie, Canva, Photoshop, MailChimp, Instagram, Twitter).

To me, it is an artform to strategize and create unique experiences for anyone, no matter the limitations or abilities.

When I host events and workshops, I am practiced and confident in problem-solving logistical challenges in the moment, but especially during the planning process.

In early 2019, I launched an oil painting workshop using the Airbnb Experiences platform. I offered a fully accessible painting experience and helped travellers paint their souvenirs: small oil paintings of their best travel memories. Figuring out a way to pack a wet oil painting into a suitcase was the highlight of my planning process.