Today we’d like to introduce you to Narmin Kassam.

Hi Narmin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I came to Canada in 1973 as a political refugee from Uganda, part of the mass expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin’s regime. Like many others, my family arrived in Vancouver with very little, having left behind a thriving business—a soda factory—and a life we had built. Thankfully, we spoke English, which helped us adapt, but assimilating into a new culture was still a challenge.

I grew up at home living with an extended family of ten, which included my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and an uncle, navigating a completely new way of life. Growing up, I struggled with being shy, overweight and asthmatic, largely due to a diet of processed and fast foods—something we didn’t fully understand at the time. Over time, I learned more about Canadian food and how to care for my health.

Amidst all these changes, art became my refuge. I would spend hours drawing with pencil crayons, using creativity to express my experiences and make sense of the world around me. As a child and young adult, I was fascinated by exploring new materials I found at home and incorporating them into my artwork. One of my aunts often took me to museums and galleries, opening my world to the techniques and subject matter of master artists. This exposure sparked my curiosity and deepened my appreciation of art.

I was fortunate to have a high school art teacher who recognized my talent early on and nurtured my growth. Under their guidance, I moved from simple compositions to intricate, realistic portraits, refining my skills and pushing my creative boundaries. Their encouragement was instrumental in shaping my artistic path and creating an outlet for my creativity.

Because we were refugees in Canada and starting from very little, my father strongly encouraged my sisters and me to pursue stable professional careers, art not being one of them. I was educated in the sciences and built a career in public health, but my passion for art remained constant. As a young adult, I attended art workshops and painting courses at local universities, carving out time in the evenings and weekends despite my demanding work schedule. I continued visiting galleries and museums regularly. This allowed me the opportunity to be exposed to different styles and techniques, encouraged me to experiment in my practice and motivated me to continue on my own artistic journey, This ongoing dedication allowed me to refine my own voice and skills, helping me communicate what words could not—my journey, my resilience, and my sense of identity.

Over the last 8 years, I have carved out more time in my schedule, while balancing a busy family schedule, to go on painting retreats, work with mentors, and paint more regularly to find my own unique style of paint and paper infusions—layering textures, cultures, and personal history into every piece. Today, my work reflects transformation, empowerment, and the beauty of lived experience.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I suffered burnout from a demanding career in public health. The intensity of that time took a lasting toll, and I now live with chronic pain that affects my ability to focus and physically sustain long periods of work. This has impacted my art practice, as I often have to stop just as I get into the flow of painting. It has been a lesson in patience—learning to be gentle with my body, listen to its limits, and adapt my creative process. Art has become not just an outlet but an essential part of my recovery, helping me practice mindfulness and find peace amid discomfort.

Balancing art with family life has also been challenging, especially with young children. Finding uninterrupted time to create is difficult, and I’ve had to be flexible—learning to work in shorter bursts, embracing the process rather than rushing to the finish. Despite these struggles, every moment I spend creating reminds me why I continue. My art is a reflection of resilience, healing, and the beauty of perseverance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a painter specializing in mixed-media artwork that weaves together paint and decorative paper on wood panels. My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, capturing the richness of cultural identity, the power of feminine expression, and the importance of inclusion. Each piece layers textures, colours, and materials to create depth, reflecting the complexity and beauty of lived experiences.

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is leading collaborative mural installations that bring communities together. These mixed-media murals, primarily made of textured decorative paper, invite individuals to contribute, making the artwork a shared expression of identity and storytelling. With each added piece, the mural comes alive, representing the collective spirit of those involved.

What sets me apart is my versatility in telling stories—not only as a painter but also as a creative designer, policy advisor working to advance arts policy, and curator of virtual exhibitions. These roles allow me to bridge different artistic and cultural spaces, ensuring that art is not only created but also celebrated, shared, and accessible to all.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?

One surprising thing that most people might not know about me is my deep love of paper. I have an extensive collection—hundreds of pieces and rolls of textured and decorative paper from around the world, including Japan, India, Nepal, and Italy. Many of these are handcrafted and designed by artisans, each with its own unique story and cultural significance.

My fascination with paper began as a child when I would collect scraps of wrapping paper, magazine pages, and fabric remnants to incorporate into my drawings. As I grew older, I became more intentional about my collection, seeking out specialty papers during my travels and sourcing handmade designs that carried cultural narratives within their textures and patterns.

For me, paper is more than just a material—it’s a medium of expression, history, and craftsmanship. The textures, patterns, and delicate details inspire my work, allowing me to weave different cultures and traditions into my art. Every sheet I collect holds the potential to become part of something new, adding layers—both literally and metaphorically—to the stories I tell through my paintings.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.narminkassamart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narminkassamart