Weeda Hamdan

Artist Statement:

Brené Brown's words, "When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending," resonates with my journey. Growing up in the shadow of war, I could have easily become defined by loss, trauma, and division.

However, I chose a different path. Through painting, I found a powerful tool to help me cope and own my experiences while peeling through the layers of complexity. My story wasn't just about diaspora, loss, and pain BUT resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit.

The war that was intended to separate us from each other became a bridge to a deeper human connection. Focusing on the simplest and "the common" sites found in nature reminds us that our most profound connections often occur in mundane settings common to all of us. Finding the uncommon in the common is also a way to realize the significance of ALL our stories, no matter how ordinary they may seem. This approach helps create a more empathetic, peaceful, and just world that celebrates the richness of all human experience. With nature as our "common" backdrop and cradle, we weave a deeper understanding and connection—if only we allow ourselves to see it.

Artist Bio:

The journey began in the safety of a bunker during times of heightened conflict, where sketching became a means of escapism. Rooted in the chaos of war, Weeda predominantly used pencil and paper, reflecting the immediacy and simplicity of the medium in capturing moments of hope amid adversity.

Since then, Weeda has continued exploring the transformative power of creativity as she sought refuge across continents. This journey has presented unique challenges that have shaped her perspective and fueled a profound connection to seemingly ordinary places.

Navigating foreign landscapes, Weeda adopted the art of finding wonder in the mundane, using her viewfinder as a passport to unveil hidden mysticism in unexpected corners. The backyard in her North Texas home has transcended its role as a natural landscape, transforming into a profound reflection of her inner journey and a metaphor for the currents shaping our existence.