Selma Tufail, an artist, has always navigated through the worlds of literature, art, and education. Life’s journeys have taken her around the world where she has taught, written, and/or created art — in Spain, Qatar, the U.A.E. the U.S, U.K., and Pakistan. Throughout, she has continued her pursuit of creativity in all its forms. Selma was awarded the Order of Civil Merit, the highest civilian award of Spain. She is the author and illustrator of Con Yanci: When Chickens Fly and Other Tales, a children’s storybook. Her writings on gender, art and mysticism have appeared in, The Dollhouse, Pakistan Daily Times, Shards of Silence – An Anthology, The Arabia Review: TESOL Arabia among others.
Her artwork for the past 10 years has focused on the unity that exists within the universe. It is an attempt to restore the feeling that everyone is all part of a complete whole. In this increasingly overcrowded planet it is easy to feel isolated and alone. Selma’s inspiration comes from the poetry of mystics past and present, from all religious backgrounds and cultures, and her preferred medium is oil on canvas but she dabbles in watercolors and pencil drawings too.
Selma co-founded the blog Tillism طلسم – Magical Words from around the World (Tillism.com) and manages it with her sister Anniqua Rana.
Selma Tufail 
I have enjoyed all three of your stories so far and hope to keep up with the future ones! What a wonderful asset full of wisdom and wit to share with your grandchildren- and children and grown ups in general! We can all relate to trickster characters in our life at one point or another- but our ability to overcome them is truly exilerating and liberating! This is what our children need to know and your stories convey that feeling in a very beautiful and subtle way! Well done and keep writing!
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Both of your stories I meant!
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Thank you, Saira, my own grandmothers were a vital part of my life. My memory of the things they said will naturally be faulty, but many of my beliefs have roots in their beliefs, so the thought process hasn’t been broken. I hope my children will add to and improve these thoughts.
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I think your stories and art work are beautiful. I’ve sent your site to my grand daughters who are talented in art and illustration. One is going to a workshop art school up in Portland – she thinks you should publish a book if you’ve not done that yet. I’m in your OLLI class on Tuesdays – very impressed and love your work.
Al Salem
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Thank you very much! I haven’t published any of these stories yet. I made one attempt earlier this year, but didn’t hear back and then got busy with other things. It really makes me happy that you like the stories.
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