Kathy Farabi was born and brought up in England where she trained as a schoolteacher with art as her main course.  She taught mainly in primary schools. 

In 1978 she came to Trinidad with her husband and settled, raising a family of three children, all of whom were born in Trinidad.With work and family Kathy had little time for art until in 1998 she was encouraged to enter the Visual Arts Degree programme at the Centre for Creative and Festival Arts, at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad as a part-time student.  She graduated in 2003 with First Class Honours.

In 1987 Kathy became a teacher at the University School, Baker Street, St. Augustine.  Throughout the years she taught Infants, Standard 1 and Standard 2 classes.  In 2003, after obtaining her degree she was appointed as an art specialist to teach art throughout the school.

Kathy became a Baha’i in 1975, after an extensive period of personal investigation.  The themes which inspire many of her paintings relate to the beautiful teachings and principles revealed in the Writings of the Baha’i Faith by its Founder, Baha’u’llah and interpreted by His son, Abdu’l-Baha.  These themes include the concepts of harmony between all the races and religions of the world and the establishment of world peace and unity. They also reflect spiritual qualities needed to achieve these principles.  The paintings offer a social commentary with a positive dimension - the suggestion of hope for the future of mankind.

The Baha’i Writings provide the initial inspiration from which the compositions are designed, not necessarily in a direct illustrative form, but elements (abstract or representational) are juxtaposed to express the general essence of the theme.  Further impact is sought by using strong, vivid colours.

Kathy also paints themes from the environment, landscapes, birds, flowers etc.  They may be depicted simply as representational images or certain elements may be selected and stressed in creative and experimental ways.

Kathy is a member of the “Women in Art” organization and is also a founder member of the group, “CANVAS CARIBBEAN”, which is an Association of Graduates from the Visual Arts department of the University of the West Indies. She was elected as the first President of this group (2005 –2006) and is at present serving as Secretary. 

Kathy has participated in numerous group exhibitions.

“…in this wonderful new age, art is worship.  The more thou strivest to perfect it, the closer wilt thou come to God.  What bestowal could be greater than this, that one’s art should be even as the act of worshipping the Lord?  That is to say, when thy fingers grasp the paintbrush, it is as if thou wert at prayer in the temple.”                                                                                        Abdu’l-Baha: from the Baha’i  Writings

Contact: kfarabi@gmail.com

 

Sacrifice - The Moth to the Candle - Acrylic on canvas30" x 30"2004  

"… that I may see thee lighted as a candle and burning thyself as a moth with the fire of the love of God."
Abdu'l-Bahá 

Men and Women are equal
Acrylic and oil paint on canvas, 30" x 30"  2003
Prints available TT$ 100 plus p&p

 "Humanity is like a bird with its two wings – the one is male and the other female.  Unless both wings are strong and impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly heavenwards."
Bahá'u'lláh

 

Pearls of the Ocean  Acrylic on canvas   24 x 24"    2006

"Immerse yourselves in this Ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths."    
Bahá'u'lláh 

"Moonhaze Dreaming" Acrylic and oil on canvas 30" x 30"  2004

 "…Their purpose must be this: to become loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity…"
"…that husband and wife should be united both physically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the spiritual life of each other, and may enjoy everlasting union throughout all the worlds of God….

"…They are two helpmates, two intimate friends, who should be concerned about the welfare of each other…"
Abdul-Bahá 

Capacity  Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24"  2006

"The whole duty of man in this Day is to attain that share of the flood of grace which God poureth forth for him. Let none, therefore, consider the largeness or smallness of the receptacle. The portion of some might lie in the palm of a man's hand, the portion of others might fill a cup, and of others even a gallon-measure."
Bahá'u'lláh