In the enchanting oasis of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Safeya Al-Khalifa creates stunning miniature ecosystems within glass bowls at her terrarium store, My Garden. Despite her physical disabilities and societal challenges, Al-Khalifa embodies resilience, crafting self-sustaining environments that reflect her own journey. “These are tiny, self-sustaining universes nestled within ours,” she explained, showcasing the delicate balance of life inside each terrarium.
Terrarium-making is more than art for Al-Khalifa; it’s about nurturing life cycles. Each piece, thriving with meticulous care, mirrors Earth’s water cycle through evaporation and condensation within the sealed glass. Decades earlier, a school dismissed her due to her wheelchair, igniting a fire within her to challenge societal norms about disabilities. “This isn’t about me — it’s about a system that doubts the capabilities of people with disabilities,” she bravely stated.
Determined to shift perceptions, Al-Khalifa immerses herself in the craft, understanding each plant’s needs to create distinct worlds. From misty forests to tranquil lakesides, her terrariums vary in complexity and time commitment, reminding her of adaptability. “We’re all shaped to adapt, no matter the odds, if we hold the courage to try,” she reflected, embodying her life’s philosophy through her creations.
Transforming adversity into art, Al-Khalifa expressed defiance against prejudice, viewing each terrarium as a testament to her growth, stating, “Every step forward is proof I’ve outgrown another barrier.” Using humidity-loving plants like Fittonia and a carefully designed gravel layer, she ensures her tiny ecosystems flourish without fear of overwatering.
Her venture, launched in 2019, now boasts a dedicated team of women. “I have a whole team of women managing My Garden,” she said proudly, as they meet increasing demand, having produced around 8,000 terrariums in collaboration with distribution partners. Al-Khalifa believes that awareness and action are pivotal in combating prejudice. “We have to live visibly, so others see we’re simply different, not broken,” she urged.
Her work, though demanding, remains essential for sparking change. “Only then can old ideas fade, making room for a kinder world,” she acknowledged. Today, Al-Khalifa’s terrariums are not just art but symbols of resilience and adaptability, enchanting homes across Saudi Arabia. As urban citizens seek low-maintenance greenery, these glass orbs showcase nature’s brilliance and the unyielding spirit of the artist. “This art has no limits,” she concluded, embodying the very essence of growth and liberation.
In Al-Ahsa, Safeya Al-Khalifa creates stunning terrariums at My Garden, overcoming physical disabilities and societal prejudices. Her artistic craft embodies resilience and adaptability, showcasing self-sustaining ecosystems that reflect life’s cycles. Al-Khalifa leads a team of women while advocating for awareness and inclusivity, asserting that societal views on disabilities must shift. Her terrariums flourish in homes across Saudi Arabia, symbolizing nature’s enduring strength and creativity.
Safeya Al-Khalifa’s journey as a terrarium artist in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, symbolises resilience and the capacity to transform societal prejudices concerning disabilities. Her art serves both as a reminder of life’s interconnectedness and a challenge to discard limiting beliefs. Through her innovative craft, Al-Khalifa not only creates eco-friendly art but also advocates for a more inclusive society, where each individual, regardless of their challenges, can thrive. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
