Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Aleppo, SANA- Being born without arms has not prevented her from perusing her passion for painting; artist Duaa al-Bustati, now 28, has conquered her disability by using her feet to draw ingenious paintings.
Duaa’s determination and persistence have enabled her to hold her second exhibition at al-Assad Gallery for Fine Arts in Aleppo.
The exhibition showcases several paintings drawn on glass featuring various topics which include the Syrian nature, old Damascene houses, Aleppo alleys, portraits, and her daily life, using a realistic expressionist style.
“I have chosen to paint Damascene houses because I love Damascus so much. It is the city in which I was born,” Duaa said of her work, adding “I love to paint nature because it can reflect our inner worlds through its overlapping colors and its pristine beauty.”
Duaa prefers to paint on glass due to its transparency which makes it suitable for conveying her feelings and ideas.
“Painting means everything in life to me. It has been my best friend since I was ten years old. It allows me to express my visions and my situation. It is a way to show the world that there are no limits,” Duaa said.
“I can translate the ideas and dreams inside me through my paintings. I wish to make a name for myself in the world of art,” Duaa added.
Head of Aleppo Culture Directorate Jaber al-Sajour said that Duaa has defied her disability and she has proven that she is able to make miracles through her paintings which reflect reality and the suffering she has experienced and she has been able to overcome.
“Duaa has pursued her passion for plastic art and her disability hasn’t been prevented her from creating innovative artistic pieces, “Head of Plastic Artists Union, Aleppo Branch Ahmad Nassif said.
Nassif added that Duaa has been able to overcome all obstacles facing her and she has been able to draw with her feet with a high professionalism and creativity.
“She is a creative artist. She has a strong will and determination. She should be a role model for many people who don’t know how to use their talents and who don’t add any positive value to life,” he said.
“Painting means everything in life to me. It has been my best friend since I was ten years old. It allows me to express my visions and my situation. It is a way to show the world that there are no limits,” Duaa said. 
Duaa added that her family and friends have always encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and they treat her as any other person, and this is how she chooses to live her daily life in all its details, adding that she hopes her works will reach a global audience.
“I was amazed by the talent of Duaa when I met her at the exhibition, and I was more amazed when I knew that she draws using her feet,” plastic artist Najlaa Dalati told SANA.
Attending the exhibition, Artist Dr. Mohammad Khwatimi said Duaa is a talented artist and she has been able to draw with preciseness, innovation and creativity, adding that the displayed paintings reflect an optimistic vision.
“Duaa’s determination and strong will have allowed her to defy her disability and difficult circumstances and her experience should be an incentive for us to do our best and to not surrender and continue to develop ourselves,” Dima Nahhas said.
Ruaa al-Jazaeri
