As an Iranian born and raised artist living in Vancouver, BC, I explore the intersection of the modern art framework and the traditional Persian culture, in my practice. I am seeking to reflect my cultural heritage through a contemporary lens, as a way of integrating both aesthetic values to culturally link my past to the present, a connection that explains my identity. With reference to the geometry that is present in Persian design and architecture, my work explores symmetry, balance and traditional ideas of sculptural forms.
My body of works include ceramics, drawing, painting and printmaking; however, my key focus has been on ceramics. I am interested in ceramics because its process of making requires using hands to create, which includes touching, feeling and altering the clay, an incredible experience of a tactile interaction which is missing from today’s industrial modern world. Whether the final product is functional or non-functional, it is a tangible object that has been made with the touch of hands, with marks that bear this signature.
I employ different hand building and wheel throwing techniques to create the forms, and I use patterns, textures, carvings and various glazing options as surface treatment. I have worked with a variety of firings and glazing techniques to inspire a sense of Western contemporary framework meeting ancient Persian culture.