Art has always been a powerful medium for storytelling, and for Almas Abou Chakra, it is a lifeline to her heritage, her journey, and her dreams. A half Lebanese, half Palestinian artist, who now resides in Vancouver, Almas channels her unique experiences as a refugee into captivating works that inspire connection and understanding. Through her art venture, Olive & Cedar, she has created a space where cultural identity meets creativity, weaving together the threads of her past and present to shape a brighter future.
From Displacement to Creativity
Almas comes from a long line of refugees, a history deeply rooted in the challenges of displacement and resilience. Four years ago, she moved to Canada, seeking a new chapter while carrying the stories and traditions of her homeland. She taught herself artistic calligraphy—a skill born from her fascination with the beauty and complexity of Arabic script. Starting with disconnected letters, she mastered the art form and began creating prints, posters, and other works that celebrate the linguistic and aesthetic richness of her culture.
Her work, however, is not just about beauty; it’s about building bridges. Entrenched in her cultural and religious identity, Almas uses art as a way to communicate and convey messages about Palestine and Lebanon in a non-confrontational manner. “Art speaks to the soul and then the world,” she explains. It starts conversations, allowing people to engage with challenging topics in a thoughtful, open-minded manner. In today’s world, where discussions about her homeland are often clouded by controversy, her art offers a gentle yet impactful medium to inspire understanding.
The Birth of Olive & Cedar
In 2023, Almas founded Olive & Cedar, a brand inspired by two iconic symbols of her heritage: the cedar tree of Lebanon and the olive tree of Palestine. Her pieces often feature animals that remind her of home, blending nostalgia with cultural storytelling. One of her most treasured creations is an owl painting, her first experiment with color, which she gifted to her friend’s mother for her birthday. “It was a moment of deep joy and pride for me,” she recalls.
Olive & Cedar is more than an art business; it is a platform for positive change. Almas has participated in numerous markets, carefully selecting those that align with her values. Many of these events have been fundraisers for Gaza, reflecting her commitment to supporting her community. While navigating the balance between being an artist and a business owner, Almas strives to stay true to her purpose: creating meaningful art that resonates with people while ensuring accessibility and fair pricing.
Her work also reflects her belief in the transformative power of art. By incorporating animals and natural elements that evoke memories of home, she brings a sense of familiarity and warmth to her pieces. This approach not only honors her past but also fosters conversations about identity and belonging.
Future Aspirations
Almas’s vision for Olive & Cedar is as dynamic as her art. At her core, she is a painter who dreams of expanding her work to include large-scale murals and pursuing a fine arts degree at the University of British Columbia. Her ultimate goal is to establish a charity for refugee women, providing a safe space for those who have lost everything to rebuild their lives.
She also hopes to continue using her platform to amplify Palestinian and Lebanese voices. Through her carefully curated markets and artistic ventures, she seeks to spark conversations and inspire others to view art not as an argument, but as a bridge to understanding.
Lessons from the Journey
For Almas, being a refugee has shaped every aspect of her life and art. “I’ve sacrificed so much,” she shares, from leaving behind friends and family to adapting to a new cultural landscape. Yet these sacrifices have fueled her determination to succeed. Her advice to fellow creators is rooted in courage: “The only thing holding you back is you. Start where you are, and each step will teach you something new.”
Success, for Almas, is not measured by sales but by the impact of her work. “Do I strike a chord? Do I catalyze something?” she asks. Through Olive & Cedar, Almas is doing just that—influencing hearts and minds while honoring her heritage and uplifting her community.
Supporting Cedar & Olive
To explore Almas’s work or support her mission, visit local markets in Vancouver where her art is showcased or see her online store on the Refugee Marketplace. With every purchase, you’re not just buying art—you’re investing in a story of resilience, hope, and cultural preservation.