“My thesis, Start Dust, is rooted in the Overview Effect; an overwhelming cognitive shift astronauts feel when they look back at the Earth from space. they see the Earth as one, beyond the range of politics and borders. Many feel gratitude for the world we have, while some feel grief over what we have done to the one home we have.Painting space ignites appreciation for God, the Creator of life, it felt natural to draw from my identity as a Muslim. I subtly blend Arabic calligraphy into the visual textures of planets and outer space and integrate islamic references in my works. Outer space serves as a humbling reminder of our brief existence in the grand expanse. I hope my work has a similar effect on anyone who experiences it.”