Tahrir Bani Sakhr

Ramallah - “I started drawing pictures in my notebooks at the university, when I saw somethings in public spaces, I kept them in my mind to draw something similar to them,” said Ghada Odeh, who is a nurse in Ramallah city of Palestine.

26-years-old Ghada Odeh graduated from the Department of Nursing at Birzeit University and she has worked as a nurse in pediatric intensive care at Ramallah Hospital, and she has a talent for plastic art.

Ghada Odeh told us how she started drawing, "I couldn’t focus on drawing because I had to study and take exams. But after graduating from the university, I have become a nurse and I have free time because of my night shift schedule. So I bought a simple drawing notebook and pencils.  One day I tried oil paintings, after I drew on the small size cardboard, I found it worth continuing.”

Ghada had a great desire to participate in exhibitions, "I searched for places on the internet to find a place where I could paint on large-sized canvas in order to participate in exhibitions and develop my talent. After continuous research, I found a studio at the Al-Bireh Cultural Center,” Ghada said, adding, "When I started painting, I discovered that I like painting roses, green spaces, and luminous pictures.”

Ghada Odeh talked about her family support, "I have received great support from my family, husband, friends, and community as well. Their supports encourage me to continue stronger. Painting is a space for me to be away from all daily life pressures. Drawing something gives me positive energy, because the colors, brushes, and empty canvas make me feel comfortable.”

On December 2, 2019, Ghada Odeh held her first exhibition (Shadow and Color) but then all exhibitions and festivals were canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ghada Odeh said, “I love my nursing work despite the pressures we face at our workplace as the medical staff. I will continue to draw to achieve my second dream; opening a national and international exhibition.”

Ghada Odeh sent a message to all women and said, “If women have talent or passion for a specific thing, they must work on it to develop their talent. Talent and passion are the power of every woman to overcome everything.”