Elizabeth Gabriel...paints: An Artist is born

Elizabeth Gabriel...paints: An Artist is born:      My artistic ability wasn't given much of a thought until I joined Enfants et Développement ,a french non-government organization operat...

As I travel to the Middle East...

First Stop...ELECTRA GAMES Abu Dhabi

Coming to the Middle East was definitely a surprise. A phone call from a friend asked me if I knew how to face paint. I said "Yes" and destiny brought me here.
I started working for Electra Games Abu Dhabi, more known as Action Zone.
I started working as a Face Painter/Artist .
And then,I was transferred to Al ain after a month. I continued my work and it was a new experience.
Again after a year,I was transferred to Abu Dhabi again to do different projects like painting murals at Khalidiya Centre, fixing Styrofoam decorations and the toughest one I went through was turning machines into new ones. They trained me to use spray paint, another exciting learning experience. But this one although interesting made me really sick. The paint we were using was car paint with hardener. The paints itself triggered my asthma and I was rushed to emergency three times. So we bought a special mask for me. No one could stop the thrill of transforming old game machines to almost new ones, to copy worn out graphics and match faded colors and designs.
I stayed and worked with the guys at the Mina Warehouse.
I was the first lady who wore a jumpsuit only for technical and industrial work.
I was literary "One of the Guys". I was their sister,they were very protective of me and I loved all of my brothers. I thank Rashid (my Moroccan brother) for teaching me how to use the spray gun and how to do carpentry work. I want to thank Baba (means father)Farouque for treating me as his daughter and who was always there to defend me when the guys were giving me too much work. I thank Hisham (my Syrian brother)who was very protective of me. I thank Nidal (another Syrian Brother) who taught me how to make fiberglass repairs. Not to forget (May he rest in Peace) Maxi, my little Indian friend. A truly great artist! He taught me how to use fluorescent and glow in the dark paints. I learned a lot from all my friends there.
But after I got married and conceived it was time to say Good bye.
My last project was the Action Zone Party Room at Al ain Mall. I was using  fabric seta colours and water based paints since I was already pregnant. The theme was a mixture of different cartoon characters like Yogi bear,Pooh,Tyger ,etc. The finishing touch was the glow in the dark effects. Black lights were installed and when the celebrant blows the cake all the lights are off except the ones glowing. I want to thank my former Supervisor and  Syrian Brother Hussein who took special care of me always checking my tables while I was painting. ( I was climbing tables not step ladder.) I was three months pregnant that time. After three years it was time to say good bye. But it didn't stop me from visiting them until now. My paintings were removed after they changed the party room into a bigger one. But the memories will remain in my heart...forever.