Many associate Lebanon with civil strife and upheaval and not a powerful, underlying artistic current that also demands the world's attention. Lebanese emigrate abroad to explore their potential; some are born to Lebanese parentage overseas and develop their own relationship with their ancestral homeland, and others draw their strength and creativity from their contact with Lebanese soil. Whatever the case, Creative Lives explores what it means to be Lebanese or of Lebanese origin and have Creative Spirit.  

The book “brings together a highly impressive mix of the finest innovators and practitioners, both fresh faced and well established, in a wide range of artistic domains including the performing arts, architecture, painting, sculpture, fiction and creative industries such as fashion, design, film and the media” explains Roseanne Saad Khalaf.  Their creative lives may be unique, but their art is universal, and insights drawn from their experiences resonate in any context.

The profiles written by Sierra Prasada are “crisp, absorbing, fascinating and full of telling details” according to Roseanne Saad Khalaf, and emphasize the personalities’ tireless dedication to their craft. The writer gracefully connects the reader with the intimate process of individual artistic paths and explorations and the reader is left in no doubt that the 31 artists represented here, are extraordinary individuals whose ambitions are played out on a world stage.  

Roger Moukarzel’s portrait photos are intimate, honest and timeless studies, revealing the contradiction between the sensitivity and vulnerability of the creative spirit, and their ability to function in the challenging and harsh commercial world.  Each portrait, a poised and poignant testament to an artistic life in progress, lingers with the spectator, inviting them to discover more.

Creative Lives is a sympathetic and thought-provoking publication, encouraging us to celebrate Lebanese artistic talent as part of a rich national cultural heritage, and to look forward to the future with hope.