Once Upon a Time 1 Painting

I am Lina Faroussi, an artist whose work chronicles life’s transformative moments. Born as the fifth of nine children in Latakia, Syria, I grew up on the shores of the Mediterranean, deeply connected to my family and shaped by both warmth and resilience. My father’s imprisonment and exile due to political conflict left a lasting impact, inspiring me to explore personal and collective narratives through my art. Despite earning a bachelor’s degree in commerce to meet my family's expectations, my passion for art remained unwavering. My journey took me from Athens to Alexandria, where I trained under professional artists and exhibited while working in Dubai's marketing field for over a decade. Moving to Toronto in 2008 allowed me to fully embrace my identity as an artist, immersing myself in studies at the Toronto School of Art and Art Gallery of Ontario, and exploring new painting and mixed media techniques. Inspired by Syrian landscapes and marked by layered textures and colours, my art has reached an international audience through exhibitions across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Published in art books and magazines like Art International Contemporary Magazine and Art Tour International Magazine, my work has been recognized with awards such as the International Caravaggio Prize in Milan and a Top 60 Master distinction by Art Tour International. In addition to painting, I run Lina’s, a small print business that transforms my artwork into interior and wearable designs. I also coach aspiring artists through workshops, both online and in person, helping others discover art as a means of meditation and self-transcendence. As described by Agora Gallery NY, my work reflects "a passionate journey of the soul," offering viewers a window into rich cultural experiences and universal truths.