Social Media Connections

My work as a visual artist has a wide range of techniques and approaches, much of which deals with social issues, and the way they affect me and my community. While I deal with a diversity of subject matters with varied methodologies, the underlying uniting factor is my deep rooted need to promote compassion and understanding. I consider my audience and who I’m addressing, which of course leads to the venue and the display of my work.

The next series is a collection shared by several outlets, including a popular social media group, Pantsuit Nation. Since the group is “secret” I can’t share the links, but here are words that accompanied the art.

Pantsuit Nation: Ramadan 2017

“Salam=Peace, Dhikr=Remembrance, Sabr=Patience, Shukr=Gratitude.”

Pantsuit Nation: International Women’s Day 2017

“We are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters, sisters, BFFs, lovers, nurturers, inspirers, supporters, mentors, educators, helpers, healers, trendsetters, entrepreneurs, fashionistas, role models, cheer leaders, fixers, counselors, providers, bosses, storytellers, athletes, activists, world leaders, powerhouses, shoulders, rocks and backbones, survivors, warriors–All rolled into one afternoon!:) Honoring the women in our lives who lift us up, love us for who we are, and inspire us to be our best selves.”

Pantsuit Nation: Valentine’s Day 2017

“I’m not really big on celebrating Valentines Day, but this year, as a Muslim-American, my heart is brimming with love and appreciation for my fellow Americans. I was at a recent protest in which I held up a huge sign that read, “Honey I AM home.” After a while, my arms started to ache, and I put the sign down. Immediately, a woman standing next to me asked if I needed help with the sign. She actually had tears in her eyes as she told me that I belonged here. After her, several other women took turns to hold up the sign with me. Because our hands were occupied, we touched shoulders to show solidarity. This sweet gesture warmed my heart. Ever since the election, I struggled with getting out of this negative space in my head. When I came home, I thought about every single one of those women who stood by me, touched shoulders with me, who cried with me, hugged me, who marched with me; they reminded me of the America I grew up listening to stories about as an immigrant child. Today, this February 14, 2017, I feel powerful. And I have a message for every protestor, marcher, supporter, and resistor: WE are what makes America great. Love to you all❤”

Pantsuit Nation: Hurricane Harvey 1

“My dear friends, your positive vibes and words are needed right now. I’m in the process of creating a painting to honor Harvey flood victims. This painting will be donated to any organization actively raising funds for the cause. What I ask of you is to send me one or two beautiful, powerful, inspiring words to fit in these 20 colorful boxes. PM me if you like. I have written the first one: love. Could I have come up with words on my own? Absolutely. But I believe in the power of collective good. I believe that people uniting for something meaningful can have great impact. And that when we look beyond ourselves, together, we can create beauty in the face of devastation.”

Pantsuit Nation: Hurricane Harvey 2

“Yesterday, I asked for your words of positivity and light for our Texas family. Thank you. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the creation of this painting. I wish I could have used every contribution. I stayed up through the night honoring your words. I was so nervous about not giving them the justice they were due. Then, I saw the Message. Our Message. I hope whoever ends up with this piece knows how many hearts were involved in its making:

Love. Trust. Believe. Have Faith in Humanity.

Breathe. You are Resilient, Strong. You have Courage. You Rise. You Persist.

We are Family. A Community of Compassion, Generosity, and Kindness.

Together, we Persevere. United, we Heal. We Rebuild. We are One.”