Maisoon Al Katheeri finds contentment in expressing herself through drawing. But the 24-year-old from Abu Dhabi did not always have a passion for art.
"My art teacher [in kindergarten] asked us to draw images and symbols relevant to the UAE. I drew Baba Zayed and the teacher showered me with compliments."
But Maisoon was more fond of studying than drawing. She didn't want to partake in another kindergarten art competition, but she was afraid to refuse because her teacher was scary, she laughs.
In grade six, she began watching the Japanese anime, Pokemon, and Detective Conan. Like many children, she was addicted to the television shows.
"I gave my drawing skills a shot that time. I started drawing the Pokemon characters. My classmates were impressed. Since that day, I was encouraged to develop my skills," she says.
But after the death of her father, she lost interest in art. She became antisocial and her face turned red when she was shy, angry or embarrassed. "After his departure, I find it difficult to explain my feelings to others. I display my emotions and feelings through drawing and post them in social networking."
In her final year at university, she put an end to the barrier she set between her and people. "I became more social before graduation, even though I am not much of a social person now," she says.
If two items could be found in her bag, they must be a pencil and a sketchbook, but the pads and pencils are for more than just pretty pictures. Al Katheeri draws poignant and thoughtful anime-type art and posts them at littlemaitee.deviantart.com for all to see. "Everyone has secrets that can never be revealed. It is better to sketch out so that no one judges you."
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Breaking barriers
A profile of Maisoon Al Katheeri, an Emirati who finds comfortable expressing her thoughts through drawings.
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