Whether through ceramics, photography, or sculpture, art has always been my sanctuary—a space where I can express the inexpressible and draw attention to the overlooked. My mother, a Persian immigrant, came to America at 18, sacrificing her connection to Iran for a better future. Her work in the Voice of America’s Persian sector makes it unsafe for any in the family to return; her courage is a constant reminder of the risks borne by those who speak out. My art channels that same courage, using visual storytelling to provoke conversation about the brutal realities Iranian women face. I take pride in my efforts to share the struggles of women in Iran and highlight Iranian art, and my most meaningful work lies in personal projects that directly address these struggles.
One of my sculptures, “Zan, Zendagi, Azadi” (Woman, Life, Freedom), portrays a faceless woman’s head wrapped in a headscarf. The clay piece features Farsi writing in place of the face and a lock attached to the scarf, symbolizing her oppression. The inscribed lyrics, drawn from the song that inspired the work’s title, reflect the silenced struggles and unyielding hope for freedom. Another project, a clay book with lips emerging from one page and my grandmother’s Farsi calligraphy on the other, holds a similar message. The wired-shut lips represent silenced voices; the turning pages suggest the need to write a new story for the historically marginalized. Beyond my identity, shaped by stories of family resilience, listening to others is as crucial as creating. I translate these values into art that inspires empathy, understanding, and a future where every woman’s voice is free to be heard.
Zan, Zandegi, Azadi - Stoneware
Scarlet Step - White Earthenware
Reversal - White Earthenware
Rolling the Dice - Porcelain
My Choice - White Sstoneware
My Choice - White Stoneware
Rewriting History - White Earthenware
