NORA SALEM

Egyptian-Palestinian artist, designer, and advocate based in what is colonially known as Edmonton, Alberta. Specializing in creating intentional spaces, installations, and visual projects for people and organizations who care about beauty and impact. Facilitating workshops that help individuals reconnect to their creativity as an act of resistance.

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My work is grounded in the belief that authentically reconnecting to one another and the earth is how we begin to heal from the generations of harm inflicted on all of us by colonization and capitalism.

Like most, my path as a multi-disciplinary artist and a socially conscious human being has been anything but linear.

In childhood, I watched my gido conjure magic on canvas, wielding oil and thinner like a wizard's staff, while my tayta taught me the quiet charm found in the stillness of life, and the immense power within intention and connection.

I learned about the devastating horrors of poverty and the ugliness of injustice through walks down Ismailia streets long before I had the language to understand the pain I was overcome with. This early education in beauty and brokenness never left me.

In adulthood I enthusiastically dove into my academic adventures, exploring the many realms of psychology, sociology, fashion design, graphic communications, fine arts, and floristry before dedicating a decade to supporting others.

First through frontline social work, then by creating BUD + BLOOM, a visual arts studio born from the belief that art, wellness, and nature are inextricably intertwined.

I worked at this intersection for six years, executing otherworldly bespoke florals for weddings & events, designing unique retail spaces, and creative directing a diverse myriad of photography projects that told a rich tapestry of stories. That chapter of life taught me the delicate balance between my creative vision, my values, and the relentless pressure to produce under this capitalistic system that wasn't built for people like me. Or people, in general.

Now I'm choosing to do things differently. I take on a limited number of projects, working with passionate individuals and organizations who seek out expressive artistry and care about the impact they're making beyond aesthetics.

I am currently open to commissions and intimate event inquiries. If any of this resonates, I'd be thrilled to hear from you.