My Journey
My name is Fatima Tajah Olson. I was born in Lilongwe, in the southeastern African country of Malawi. I grew up living in a crowded two-room shack in the sprawling township at the edge of the city with my single mom, who made a living selling used clothing.
At age five, I told my mum I wanted to live in a “nice house with a bathtub.” I began running away from home, searching for a better life, and I came upon an English school where the students wore uniforms and sat at fine wooden desks. I decided that was the school that I would attend. I was sure I would learn more there than at the government school, where two hundred of us in a single class sat all day on a dirty floor with potholes.
One morning I dressed, went to the English school, walked into a class, and found myself a desk. The teacher asked me what I was doing there. I stood up and yelled, “You teaching me English prease!” The school kept me for the whole semester for free, as my mum could not afford the tuition.
My mother met my Canadian father in the market, and he later adopted me at the age of 6. I came to live with my Canadian family in Victoria, BC, where I finished high school.
My first years in Canada were difficult as I experienced an identity crisis adapting to a new Canadian family, western society, and several painful instances of racism. It was through creating art that I found a way to cope with those challenges.
My journey with my art has become very personal, as it has motivated me to celebrate my African heritage and the beauty of African women of different tribes. I hope my art sends a message of strength, beauty, and positivity that can resonate with women everywhere.
Thank you,
Sincerely
Education
2022 -M.A. The Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University)
2009-B.F.A. Emily Carr University BFA. ( Vancouver, BC, Canada)
2005 – Diploma in Fashion Design . Pacific Design Academy- (Victoria, BC, Canada)
2003 – High School Diploma. Victoria High School.(Victoria, BC, Canada)
2003 – Victoria High School