Helen

Pastel on Canson paper, 17" x 22"

NFS

This pastel was selected as a finalist for the Open International Portrait Competition in Toronto in 2003 organized by Portrait Society of Canada.

What a thrill it was to get the notification of the selection. I was still living in the United Arab Emirates and was asked to attend the conference with my entry.

I could write a book about my frustrating ordeal for obtaining a visit visa to Canada. I made three trips to Abu Dhabi, the capital city about 250 km away. Although it was spring season, point to remember is, it was the Arabian desert, temps in high 30s.

Each trip to the Canadian embassy made me more anxious as the date for the conference/exhibition got closer and all my travel plans depended on the visa. Finally, I made it to Toronto, my first ever trip on my own, right in the middle of peak of SARS outbreak. The conference was at Art gallery of Ontario in the heart of Chinatown. I braved it all. My adventurous spirit got me to Kelowna for 10 fabulous days once the show was over. I simply fell in love and made up my mind, if I ever move, Kelowna will be home. The following year, 2004, I made the big move, infact, tomorrow, 12 october will be 4 years for me in Kelwona. I am glad I made the move, perhaps the happiest time of my life.