American West Coast Colours and Work Ethic

Q (expanded from Lee’s first question): How did your American upbringing influence your approach to colour and your artistic practice?

My American side had a profound impact on me. I spent many summers in California, where I was exposed to the vibrancy and openness of West Coast culture. Those colours—the saturated blues of the Pacific, the sunlit oranges, the Latin-inspired intensity—left a permanent imprint on my palette. When you look at works like Desire, you can see that bold use of colour, a fusion of Western energy with the detail-oriented discipline I learned from Egypt.

But my American influence wasn’t just about colour. It also shaped my work ethic and mindset. My father’s example, coupled with American culture’s emphasis on achievement, gave me resilience, precision, and a commitment to excellence. He earned multiple degrees, from engineering to finance, and built a successful business. Watching him taught me the importance of diligence and exploration—lessons I applied both to my corporate career and my art.

That duality—embracing bold, unapologetic colour while holding myself to high standards of craft—still defines my practice today. It’s the West Coast vibrancy meeting Egyptian structure, expressed through paint.

✨ Explore how this fusion of influences is reflected in my original artworks.