Bsc. Actuarial Science, Bcom. (Hons) Financial Planning, Mcom. Business Management

Like most I spent the initial stages of my life amassing skills of acquisition, accumulating that which society and mainstream media make us believe are items of status, that which is newer, bigger and shinier. Over a decade ago though, I found myself yearning for more meaning in life. While on a sabbatical from the Financial Services business I then owned, what is to be a life-long spiritual journey began. A fundamental shift initiated inwardly, resulting in a supplementary outward shift. I found myself increasingly repelled from commonly desired forms towards only that with meaning.

I made a conscious choice to then change what I surrounded myself with from the sleek and shiny modern, machine made, mass produced items and furnishings to one of a kind items with history, with ‘soul’. Items that where beautifully handcrafted with passion, with a patina of love gained increasing appeal.

I have always had an intrinsic love for art, and based on what I’ve been told I have been blessed with some artistic ability from infancy, but it was not until my parents went on pilgrimage to the Holy city of Makkah that the artist was awakened in me. They asked what I’d like them to bring back for me, and I intern requested a piece of Islamic art. Much to my surprise they returned home from their blessed trip with no gift in hand, instead they said that they had looked and nothing they could find seemed apt, they had decided to instead give me the money to buy a canvas and materials to create my own piece of Islamic art. What then began as merely trying to honor their wish, quickly became a new passion. I found tranquility and meaning in painting Gods praises like nothing before, It became part of my remembrance of Him, part of my worship.