Zahra

By Sumana Dugar LPCC Trainee

LIVE LOVE LAUGH

Join featured artist Zahra as she walks us through her creative process, where art became an endearing companion during her time in the hospital.

Meet 11-year-old Zahra the creator behind the masterpieces!

Zahra described being in the hospital as a “very scary” thing at first, but eventually the staff helped her “relax and calm down” making it much easier for her to settle into her new environment. Zahra absolutely couldn't wait for her weekly Art Therapy sessions during her hospital stay—”I really enjoy painting!”

With great pride and confidence Zahra shared: “Making art and displaying it in my room and front door felt nice, because all the nurses, doctors and child life specialists would compliment my art work which made me very happy.” This budding artist elaborated that receiving recognition and praise for her own creative work made her feel excited. Zahra said she felt “so much nicer” to receive attention for things “other than my medical condition”.

Zahra describes art therapy as a “distraction” from the “bad darkness” that she was fighting. With her creative self expression, she fearlessly painted stories of “resilience and hopefulness” using watercolor. On multiple occasions Zahra shares, “Art helps me feel relaxed and relieved from all the medicines and unexpected medical procedures.”

Her art work is a self-reminder to “always be kind, strong and smile through everything” Zahra loved to have her art work displayed on her door for other kids to see. She would like her art work to inspire other children in the hospital, “Stay calm, believe in yourself! there is always someone for you, willing to be next to you. You might not believe that, but its true!…stay strong and believe in yourself not matter what!”