For Merna, art is a journey to discover the hidden beauty at the very heart of the universe in us and around us. Her paintings directly touch upon something timeless in all of us. They invite you to experience them, not just to observe. What they convey is an individual message that is a characteristic of all art with depth of soul.

Merna grew up in Jordan, had a grounding in the Orthodox church, and a career in mathematics and science. This background glimpses though her work. Merna's process of making a painting starts with a inward movement , a prayerful state. The images that emerge during the process are translation of a rich sensory world of experience. Nature and creation narratives are always shining through. Her work opens a window to a harmonious universe creating a space for contemplation in a world that often seems discordant and conflicted.

Using fifteen century methods, imagery is created in tempera made of ground minerals and earth pigments mixed with egg yoke and distilled water. The tempera is then painted on gessoed panels prepared in the artist's studio using a lengthy process. Lengthy sanding is used to create a smooth finish. Then, with multiple thin glazes of paint luminous images are created with repeated movement. The panels are often gilded with 23.5ct gold leaf, using medieval methods of (water)gilding.

The meditative process is essential to the artwork. With authentic materials, careful preparations and the layered depths the artwork gradually evolves. The hidden treasures of the painting are revealed through time as if through alchemy. Yet the images speak clearly and gently.