01

Where is your favourite travel destination and why?

This planet is abundant with natural beauty aligned with cityscapes. But perhaps my own heritage town of Jeddah is the one. It is named the ‘Bride of the Red Sea’ for good reason. The feeling of swimming in the warm sea in the summer is indescribable. The water is a rich velvety blue colour and the city basks in the golden rays of the sun all year round. I am in awe of its natural beauty, its people and craftsmanship of it old architecture and houses built with coral.

The local cuisine is a merge of Levantine and  Mediterranean recipes with its own from the Arabian Peninsula. Magical.

02

What is your most memorable holiday?

Safari in Kenya on a family holiday as a teenager. Being close to giraffes, elephants and lions (not too close). Admiring them in the their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. Including feeding giant tortoises that were over 200 years old. This holiday is still very vivid in my memory.

03

What is your favourite season?

Spring. A rebirth. Everything begins to blossom, breathe and sing. Colour, scent and texture everywhere you look. Even a blade of grass cannot be stopped from reaching out to the sunlight through the cracks in the pavement.

04

Where in London do you go to let your hair down?

Good stand up comedy shows for sure. Humour makes the world go round.

05

Describe your perfect day in London.

Brunch at Farm Girl in Notting Hill on a Saturday. Followed by a visit to browse through the bright and colourful Portobello Market. Dinner at Chiltern Firehouse and then an evening stroll.

06

Where in London do you recommend for a first date?

It depends on the preferences of the people meeting. I would say Kensington Gardens or the National Gallery. Silences are not awkward when you are surrounded by art and nature. Lovely cafes to choose from nearby too.

 

07

What is your favourite flower?

Peonies. Especially the large variety.  These flowers are only in season for a few weeks a year, so during this time, they never leave my home.

08

If you could send flowers to only one person each week, who would that be and why?

My mother. She taught me how to appreciate the beauty of flowers. She would arrange them so delicately. Checking on them each morning. I think I may have heard her gently whispering to them one morning.

09

What is your favourite film of all time? 

This is a difficult one. I don’t have a favourite but I do like Rain Man. Dustin Hoffman’s performance was phenomenal in that film.

10

Do you have a favourite book or author?

My favourite author is Eckhart Tolle. He talks a lot about the presence of flowers aligned with peace. He is never seen talking on stage without a flower arrangement at his side.

 

Details from Intisar’s Florets Series, 2024. Acrylic inlayed with dried flowers on canvas.