A gift from us to you from Macha Abdallah

Macha, thank you so very much for these gorgeous pieces of art. Could you please introduce yourself to our SLC community and tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m Macha Abdallah. I am a part time multi-disciplinary artist. During the day I am a Regional Manager for an agency that provides support services for people with cognitive disabilities and mental illness. I am a Christ follower, a travel enthusiast, and a lover of good music and good food! I am of Rwandan descent, born and raised in Canada. I love being a black creative. I feel so blessed to be able to contribute to putting out more black art in the world.

Could you tell us a little bit about your approach and work?

I started out doing a lot of portrait art using acrylic paint on canvas. More recently I have been learning digital art and dabbling in abstract art. I love using earth tones and muted colours, as you can see in these pieces. A lot of my art is inspired by my faith. Whether it’s a particular season I am walking through with God, a scripture that has inspired me, or a vision I’ve received through prayer and worship. My aim is to portray these messages through my art. 

What about these particular pieces? How do you want people to feel when they observe them?

I want people to feel whatever it is that the work is speaking to them in their current season of their lives. That can mean different things for different people at different times. What these pieces have in common is that they convey a connection to God during times of chaos.  

Our intention this month is around connection. What are your thoughts on that?

Connection can be obtained through various channels. People connect in relationships, friendships, and when multiple people share a common goal or interest. Spiritual connection is something that is so divine and often unexplainable but understood and shared by all those who have experienced it. I have intentionally aimed to represent black and brown skin in the spiritual realm through some of my pieces. Most Christian art lacks representation of minorities, which can sometimes affect black and brown people’s connection to Jesus. I want people to feel seen through my art and facilitate their ability to connect with the God who also sees them. 

That is beautiful. We’re always curious about what people are listening to — especially as we get into the dreary bits of winter. What’s your go-to right now or in general?

Lately I have been getting into Tems. She makes me feel like I’m not in the dreary bites of winter. Her tiny desk concert was lovely. And I’m getting into the summer vibes early!