ARTIST BIO

Born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1964. A passion for wildlife inspired me to begin drawing as a child growing up in Egypt. My personal sense of freedom led me to depict my subjects roaming unconfined as nature intended.

While passing through India and Southeast Asia on our way to a new home in Australia, at the age of fifteen, I developed a longing to journey to exotic and wonderful places, which continue to inspire me to paint to this day.

After selling my first painting in Perth in 1984, I experienced great success by exhibiting in Perth and regional WA.

In November 1991 I held my first solo exhibition in Fremantle WA.

In 1993 I was commissioned to paint an Australian Wildlife and Landscape calendar. The success and distribution of the calendar was widespread. Following the success of the calendar, the original paintings published in the calendar were part of my second solo exhibition held at Burswood Resort in Perth, and it was a sellout!

This was followed by a series of solo exhibitions in Western Australia, and representation by one of the most prestigious galleries in Perth at the time - The Gallery of Fine Art. My profile with the Gallery of Fine Art in 1995 proved valuable, as demand for my work escalated through effective marketing and advertising. This resulted in exhibiting extensively throughout Western Australia, from the far north in Broome at Matso's Gallery to Margret River in the South at Margret River Gallery.

From 1998 to 2000 in association with Barbara Ward Art Promotions, I participated in a number of mixed exhibitions aimed at assisting local artists gain wider exposure and greater sale of works. 

In 2000 I took part in a nation-wide exhibition, which was held in Melbourne’s Kerry Anne’s Akoonah Park Gallery, entitled "Walk on the Wild Side 4" – an exhibition about wildlife. Some of the best wildlife artists were involved in making the exhibition a great success. 

January 2001 ushered in the new year with new beginnings, moving from Perth WA to Melbourne to explore the wider and varied arts community. Since then I have participated in a number of exhibitions across Melbourne, one in particular is the annual Camberwell Rotary Art Show. I have also taken part of several art exhibitions such as St Kevin’s College mixed exhibition and art sale, Chelsea Art Show and the Bayside Art Show. At the same time the Collins St Gallery, Melbourne City,was representing me, and in 2001 staged my first solo exhibition in Melbourne. 

Whilst demand for my work was escalating, it increased the pressure to paint more, at the same time bringing up two young children, by this time, as a single father. As a result my painting career experienced a hiatus as I decided to concentrate on providing for my young family.

From 2001 - 2014 I was only able to produce a handful of paintings each year. At the same time I was working full-time for large corporations, which restricted my time for painting considerably.

I am now re-emerging with this 'eGallery' of my works with renewed passion for painting and creating. With reduced distraction, both professionally and personally, I look forward to holding my "comeback" solo exhibition in the spring of 2016 locally to showcase my latest inspirations. (Also see Facebook/Safa) and safatakla.com.au