This painting represents the possibility of failure or loss, and success or gain everyone has in life when perusing their dreams and what they want. The abstract shapes represent the fisherman in yellow, a big whale in red, a seagull in green, a boat which has a red chimney, and the blue sea in the background. The sea waves are high, the boat is unstable, it can either drown or make it back safely to the shore. The fisherman is frightened he won’t make it back to the shore, but is hopeful he might catch many fishes and get back happily with a great success.

In the year 2000, I was greatly affected by the birth of my daughter Amal, who was diagnosed with one of the most difficult and rarest diseases, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), from the first day she was born. The doctors told us she wouldn’t make it. It’s a rare chronic disease, that has no cure, where the skin is as weak and fragile as a butterfly’s wing. Blisters and open wounds are formed by the slightest touch. She is in constant pain as you can imagine. Although I have never studied art, or had drawn or painted before, on the night of her first birthday, my art was born due to the enormous emotional and mental turmoil my wife, my kids and I went through dealing with this disease. I would say, my style reflects this struggle and expresses feelings and emotions that seem impossible to explain in words.

My art has its own style which is the intersecting black lines representing life to me. Life (the black lines) can be confusing, puzzling and random sometimes, but within that confusion and chaos you can always find meaning, beauty and peace. I paint in bright colours to convey happiness and a vibrant energy. I use abstract shapes and figures. It is also expected from the viewer to connect with the painting and make sense of it in his own personal way, and the interpretations can vary widely. You can also try turning the painting around to the other sides and you can see other shapes.