Beauty is to be celebrated!

I was born in Taxila, Pakistan near the ancient ruins of Buddhist culture and art; I grew up attending boarding school in the Himalayan hill town of Murree, a remnant from British colonial rule. By high school I demonstrated a natural talent for drawing and painting. Although I received some encouragement at school, I didn't have a chance to learn art in an academic setting.

I am a mostly self-taught artist with a passion to celebrate beauty, particularly as it relates to the female form. Having grown up as the child of conservative Christian missionaries in an even more conservative Muslim society—both cultures in their own way suppress free expression of the human form, I want to illustrate through my work a freedom of existence beyond the bounds of repressive traditions and cultural limitations; an existence where women, in particular, do not have to hide in the dark. I want to bring out the splendor, color, texture, form and sensuality of life.

9/11 changed the world and my life too. We were evacuated from Pakistan, where my husband worked in the development sector, to freethinking California. For the first time I had the opportunity to sketch and paint live nude models. This opened a brave new world for me. Finally I could express myself through the beauty of the human figure.

My family moved to Hanoi, Vietnam in 2003. I fell in love with the art scene and had the opportunity to attend classes at the Hanoi University of Fine Arts. I painted solidly for two years. Another revelation was the art of lacquer painting, practiced extensively in Vietnam. I have adapted a contemporary application of this medium to enhance my work.

Over the years I have developed a conviction that the most beautiful subject for my art is the human body—a passion shared by artists through the centuries. For years the art of William Bouguereau has inspired me. The vulnerability revealed in his haunting expressions reminds me of the memorable faces I have seen Pakistan. I also strive to capture the emotion and strength around me, especially what I’ve witnessed in women.

After 15 months in Northern California I have moved to Jordan where my husband is working in the Health sector. I am excited to delve into the ancient art history of this amazing country.