FAQ
Do you only work in acrylics?
Yes, I find acrylics easier to work with & I don't have to deal with any chemicals like you do with oils.
Do you work on different sized canvases?
Yes, the largest size canvas I work on is 16x20 due to my small field of vision. But I can combine multiple canvases together to form one scene.
Are your paintings framed?
No, framing is up to the customer, that way the customer can choose a style or color that they like and matches their home decor. However, my paintings are on a stretched canvas and I paint a border or a faux frame around the edges of each piece so they are ready to hang on the wall immediately.
Why do you paint in black & white?
Due to my eye disorder, I see what is referred to as grey-scale. Sort of like those old black and white movies/tv shows. So black, white, and greys - no colors.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy listening to music, camping, fishing, dancing, researching my family tree, and learning about my ethnicities. I also enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my guide dog.
What exactly can you see?
It's like an extremely foggy day. I see outlines of shapes but not detail so I rely on contrast and touch to navigate my world.
Who is your biggest artist influence?
I would have to say Robert Bateman, despite my grade 8 art teacher saying there was no such artist. I was always amazed at the realistic paintings Robert created as I looked at the ones my father had on the wall growing up. I always thought I want to paint like this guy. He is one of the main reasons why I chose landscapes to paint.
How do you handle the challenge of making your art stand out without relying on flashy visual tricks?
Well, despite the absence of tiny details or colorful palette due to my blindness, my black & white landscapes stand out through the simplicity & brushstrokes that create a sense of drama and emotion. Employing strong contrasts, my artwork conveys a unique vision of the world.
How do you find inspiration for your art when you can't rely on sight?
I find inspiration for my art through the beauty of nature's sounds, tactile sensations and the emotions I experience. By connecting with my inner self and the world around me, I translate these sensations into captivating black and white landscapes that reflect my unique perspective as a blind artist.
How has being a blind artist influenced your perception of the world around you & has it changed over time?
It allows me to focus on the sensory richness & emotional essence of my surroundings. Overtime, my appreciation for subtle details and the interconnectedness of nature has grown, providing me with a unique and evolving perspective that continually informs my black and white landscapes.
How does your heritage influence tour art and writing?
I'm Tuareg & bedouin, my roots stretch across North Africa (specifically Libya) and the Middle East. Patterns, stories and the emotions of my heritage quietly weave into my paintings, gnomes and writing, giving them a layer of culture, memory and heart.
You found your biological family, what was that journey like?
Finding my biological family in 2020 has been a journey of discovery, patience and emotion. I tested with all the DNA companies and had a search angel help piece it all together. That journey shaped my sense of identity, resilience and the stories I tell throught art and writing.
Are you Muslim?
Yes. My journey to Islam began while researching my Tuareg & Bedouin family roots. I knew very little about the religion other than what in the news. but the more i researched it and realized the news has it all wrong, the more I learned, the more I fell in love with it. In July 2025, I officially converted, and my faith has since become a meaningful part of who I am and how I create. I am happy, at peace and calm and finally feel like i've come home.
Why do you write under the name of Tihiya Noor, and what can we expect in your stories?
Tihiya Noor is my pen name for my fiction stories. I've borrowed this name from my Tuareg heritage, it means Light in the Desert. My novels coming in 2026, exploreemotion, adventure and characters straight from my imagination and that stay with you long after the last page.
Why do you create gnomes, and what makes them special?
My gnomes are playful, cheeky and full of personality, little spirits that bring humor and joy to your space. They also honor my Swedish heritage from my dad's side, where hnomes are an important part of folklore. Each one has its own expression and story, reflecting both the fun side of my art and the traditions I carry. And these little guys are very popular at markets.
What does it mean that you're Tuareg and Bedouin?
My Tuareg line of family are from the Libyan Sahara and my Bedouin family from the Middle East.
The Tuareg are a nomadic people of the Sahara, known for their unique culture, art and story telling.
The Bedouin are nomadic tribes of the desert with rich traditions, music and oral history. Both sides of my heritage influence my perspective, my stories and the way I express myself through art and writing. Though I am both, I am however more Tuareg.