In the eyes of some, art may be likened to oxygen, but to me, it embodies so much more—it's culture, history, emotion, and beyond. My journey with art began in elementary school, where I found solace and expression through drawing. Hailing from Karemlesh in Nineveh, Iraq, I was fortunate to have a teacher, Jirjees Kado, who recognized my passion and nurtured my budding talent, imparting various techniques and skills.

Enrolling at the Institute of Fine Art in Mosul further fueled my artistic exploration, with a focus on pottery, inspired by the footsteps of my older brother, Sami Matti Alyonan, himself a skilled artist. Collaborating with fellow artist Ziad Alshaby on projects like sculpting a statue of Mar Ede for presentation atop our church, commemorating the Christian martyr in Mar Gorges, was both fulfilling and impactful.

However, upheavals in my homeland led me to seek refuge in Europe, ultimately finding myself in Malta. There, I had the privilege of honing my craft in a studio setting, contributing to the creative endeavors of Sarah Keena Ceramica. Yet, my journey didn't end there; with the assistance of friends from the Chaldean Assyrian community, I found a new home and opportunity in Toronto, Canada.

Participating in my first art show in America in 1996 marked a significant milestone, and subsequent collaborations with a collective of Chaldean and Assyrian artists further enriched my artistic journey. Central to my artistic vision is a steadfast commitment to preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage and history through my work. I am driven by the desire to illuminate the beauty of our heritage, ensuring that the younger generations, who may never have set foot in Beth Nahrian, can still experience its essence through my art.

For me, every stroke of the brush, every piece of pottery, every carved wood, serves as a testament to the richness and resilience of our Beth Nahrain's culture. It is from this wellspring of tradition that I draw my inspiration, infusing each creation with the spirit of our ancestors and the hopes of a brighter future