Anar Jamal
January 17, 2017
To commemorate Mawlana Hazar Imam's 80th birthday, "Mosaic of My Life" - a gumball portrait of his likeness - was displayed at the Celebration of Learning held at Calgary's Northwest Jamatkhana in November, 2016.
It's creator, Walid Ehssan, is an accomplished artist from Kabul, Afghanistan presently living in Calgary with his wife Samira.
Ehssan worked on Mosaic of My Life for over seven months. He was inspired to try the style of artwork when he saw Pennsylvania artist Franz Spohn’s work on display. Searching to create a special piece of art for Mawlana Hazar Imam’s birthday, Ehssan reached out to Spohn, who not only gave Ehssan permission to introduce the style of art in Calgary, he mentored Ehssan in the creation of Mosaic of My Life.
Ehssan moved from Kabul to Calgary in 2011. He started sketching at age 13 and though he has not taken any formal art lessons, he has created many unique pieces. He uses mediums and materials such as calligraphy, canvas painting, sketches, string, sculptures, and now gumballs, to create his artwork.
Ehssan derives his inspiration and creativity from his faith-based values and beliefs as an Ismaili Muslim. He manifests and illustrates his messages through his art.
Over the years, Ehssan has been approached to sell his artwork commercially.
"It is a tough decision to sell my art,” he says. “Every piece of art I have created is precious to me and has fond memories in my heart. It tells a story and has a special meaning to me that may not be well understood by others”.
Ehssan’s art creation which he calls, “Pieces of My Heart” was displayed at an Arts and Culture Exhibition in Calgary.