Sophia

As a biologist by training, my passion lies in sharing my love for the native plants that grow in Western Canada, primarily in the Canadian Rockies, which are close to home.

Over the years, I have found that this immersion into the world of native plants has helped me build a deep connection with the natural environment, and this connection has improved my mind and soul's well-being. So, this is where my motivation to create comes from as I strive to use art as a bridge to reconnect people to the world surrounding us.

My art strives to capture the very essence of each plant, guiding your gaze to the plant's unique characteristics and distinctive features. Through this process, I aim to introduce you to the ‘faces’ of your green and leafy neighbours. This simple introduction can help you familiarize yourself with native plants, and eventually, you should start recognizing their 'faces' while you're out exploring. In no time, you'll start learning their names and you'll start feeling more connected to these plants and their environments.

Ultimately, I hope that my art inspires others to pay closer attention to and cherish the small, often overlooked parts of life. As Robin Wall Kimmerer beautifully puts it in her book Braiding Sweetgrass, "Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and an open heart."

May my work serve as a reminder that our connection with the natural world is a reciprocal one, a relationship that can be nurtured through the simple act of observing and appreciating the world around us.

We have all been given different gifts and talents by our Creator, Allah (God), and I have been taught that we should use these gifts to create positive change in the world. So, I use my art as a way to give back to my community. I have dedicated 25% of my profits to charity and I do my best to use my art in other ways to build up others, such as hosting art classes for charities and not-for-profit organizations, or auctioning off pieces for charity. 

To date, these collective efforts have raised over $2,000 for charities and non-profits such as Islamic Relief Canada, Nisa Homes, Yellowhead Emergency Shelter for Women, The Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund by Unite for Change and more, Alhamdulillah (praise be to God)! 

If you are organizing a charitable event and want to collaborate, please contact me. I'd love to see how I could help! 

Connect with me on social media @ShadeofBiology