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by Weam Namou (Author)
Artists have a story, a story that affects their pallets. In Iraqi Americans: The Lives of the Artists, Namou wanted to honor artists of Mesopotamian ancestry by giving them the opportunity to share their incredible stories themselves rather than risk having others to do it for them, as was the case with Layla Al Attar.
Layla Al Attar died in 1993, along with her husband, after her house was bombed by a US missile. Iraqi news announced that she was killed since she was responsible for creating the mosaic of George Bush Sr.'s face on the steps of Al Rashid Hotel, over which Iraqis and people from all over the world walked on upon entering. Unfortunately, she is remembered more so by how she died rather than by her incredible talent and the way in which she lived her life. Worse than that, many misinterpret the play 9 Parts of Desire by Heather Raffo to be based on her life.
Like Al Attar, the 16 artists in this book are not victims, but victors over their lives, following their passions and finding ways to showcase it despite any and all challenges.
Author Biography
Weam Namou is a journalist and the author of three novels, one poetry book, and the Iraqi Americans Series. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Wayne State University, studied poetry in Prague, screenwriting at the Motion Picture Institute of Michigan and she studied fiction and memoir writing through various correspondence courses. Her essays, articles and poetry have appeared in national and international publications. Namou is currently a fourth year apprentice of Lynn Andrews' Center for Sacred Arts and Training. Lynn Andrews is a shaman and best-selling author of the Medicine Woman series. Namou is graduating the school at the end of 2015, and next year she will be ordained a minister. www.weamnamou.com
