Newcomer artist Salbhi Sumaiya believes she is on the right track
Credit to Author: Ramya Ramanathan| Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2020 01:51:11 +0000
I grew up in Dhaka, Bangladesh and moved to Canada in 2017, after marrying a Canadian immigrant. Initially, I was perplexed by the massive differences here with regard to the weather, landscape, food and demography, and expected to face many obstacles. But, in spite of the differences and the obstacles in my way, I must say that the transition has, in fact, been relatively smooth.
As someone who is hard of hearing (HOH), I have always been drawn to the visual arts because of its accessibility as a visual arts form. I started painting at the age of seven and it has always been a way to express my ideas and creativity. Initially, I found it difficult to start off my career in Canada but enrolling in different courses helped me improve my skills. I also enrolled in a Small Business Support project to explore self-employment opportunities via information sessions, coaching and support activities. I had held workshops for children and staged exhibitions back in Bangladesh and was hoping to start a career in Canada as an artist. In order to pursue my passion for painting, I took a big step and rented a studio in the Kensington area in Toronto.
The themes I like to cover in my work are usually based on raising awareness of the various contemporary issues faced in today’s world. Some of the previous themes in my body of work are on the mass extinction of animals caused by human interference and the plight of forceful displacement of Myanmar’s Rohingya population.
Last year, I applied for the RBC Arts Access Award; an award designed to support newcomer artists and help create new work with micro-awards. I was happy to have been chosen as one of the twenty recipients for the 2019 RBC Arts Access Award, and recognized at a reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art in February 2020. Given that this is my first recognition in Canada, it has given me hope and confidence, and furthermore assured me that I am on the right track.
Plans for the future
Currently, I am gradually trying to enhance my potential in the Canadian arts community. I am preparing myself for the upcoming Toronto Outdoor Art Fair and other exhibitions. I think of myself as a conduit for social & political change, hence, my subject for an upcoming exhibition I am planning remains the conservation of wildlife. I am trying to establish myself as an artist in Toronto. My end goal for the future would be to own and operate an art gallery, especially to cater to those with disabilities, to help ease their integration into the Canadian art society.
I find that Canada is very unique in its ways; the people here are kind-hearted, open-minded and very helpful towards immigrants. My integration in Canada was not easy, but with the help of local organizations, settlement agencies and individuals, I have been able to draw up my plans and goals for the future and believe I am on the right track. I have even had the privilege of coming across some people who are beyond helpful – so helpful that one would at times think they care more about your work and your future than you do. Such emotions work as a beacon of hope and reassure me that I have migrated to the right country.
“You only reap what you sow”
I believe that good things come to those who wait and work for it; it is a very competitive landscape in Canada and there are always people waiting in line to be presented with opportunities. So, I believe one must work harder than many others to reap the benefits of the Canadian system, as you only reap what you sow.
I also believe the secret of success is the constancy of purpose, therefore one must strongly believe in themselves and their path in order to succeed; in addition to having someone else to believe in them. I would also suggest doing things the Canadian way and not the way things are done in your home country as Canadians appreciate immigrants trying to integrate while keeping the Canadian morals and standards in mind.