Originally from Ethiopia, Eskinder Girma’s artistic ideas and expressions are fascinating to members of the local Dallas community.
Girma arrived in the United States in May 2011. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Dallas met him at the airport and has helped to guide Girma and support his employment and artistic endeavors.
“[The IRC in Dallas] was very positive with what I was doing. They helped me look for jobs and introduced me to professionals in the business,” Girma says. “I was very glad I showed them my artwork.”
Girma’s journey as an artist began early on when he lived in Ethiopia where his mother’s work at the University of Fine Arts and Design in Addis Ababa cultivated his love for the arts.
“I have appreciated art since I was little,” Girma says. “I took summer classes [at the University] because I was very passionate about artwork. Since then, I have never turned down inspiration.”
Now living in Dallas, Girma has enriched the local community with his talent. The talented artist draws inspiration from different cultures and landscapes, themes which can be seen in his digital paintings and pictorial art.
Girma has shown his work during Ethiopian Day celebrations and at the Plano Festival where he sold seven paintings. “I was full of joy [when I sold my first piece],” Girma said. “It was as if someone had connected himself to my art. It was very exciting.”
“Eskinder is very driven about his art,” says IRC in Dallas employment specialist Susie Davisson.
“Everyone around him has been very positive, and has recognized and encouraged his talent..”
Perhaps Girma’s mother’s words to her son most closely echo the love and support of his family.
“She always says [to me],” Girma said. “‘It is amazing you turned out this way, your prayers are heard, and I am very proud of you’.”
Girma’s art can be viewed at his website: www.eskinder.daportfolio.com.
To learn more about refugee resettlement and the work of the IRC in Dallas or Abilene, contact Dallas@Rescue.org or Abilene@Rescue.org.
