JEDDAH: Hala Saleh Faqih from Makkah, who has exhibited her paintings at the Jeddah Summer Festival, has demonstrated that disability is no barrier to pursuing artistic talent.

Faqih said although she is paralyzed she was determined to pursue her talent. “My dream has come true because I never let my disability come in the way,” she added.

She thanked the Jeddah festival organizers for giving her an opportunity to show off her artistic talent and share her feelings with people through her paintings.

Fahad Samhan, the Saudi channel broadcaster, featured her on the network with a message to the community that disability can’t stop anyone from pursuing their dreams. She has not only realized her dream but also exhibited her talent to the public.

Faqih said drawing and painting were always her hobby but she never thought that one day her creativity will make her distinctly different from others and get a big platform like the festival to share her feelings.

She said despite so many obstacles and problems in her life she was able to reach her goals, “which means it doesn’t matter how many problems come in your way, if you want to do something you always get success.”

Faqih is member of Culture and Arts Association and started her journey of painting after getting encouragement from her teacher almost 40 years ago, her father’s moral support in her childhood and cooperation of her husband, who supported her all through.

She studied in the faculty of Home Economics from King Abdul Aziz University and did her graduation, however, her passion led her to specialize in painting.

Faqih has authored three cooking books. “I discovered with practice that I am creative though I was completely paralyzed. For three years, I tried to paint by taking brush in my hand and over time I started using the left hand and then the right hand, and then I was able to move my limbs; it was the biggest motivation for me to challenge my disability and reach the goal.”