Reaching
Through storytelling via abstractions, I tell the tale of two friends. For the past 6 years, I have developed a close friendship with Fatemeh, an Iranian woman. Our story began in November 2019, through a language exchange app, which grew to great understanding of our languages and cultures. Beyond this, we have grown closer and supported each other’s life journey. Each piece encapsulates our friendship’s soul and memories. In June of 2025, quarrel began between Israel, Iran and later the US. This quarrel of governmental powers provoked me to share our story with the world. We encourage the world to look past political tensions and open their hearts to the innocence of people – no matter their background.
In my practice, I create visual storytelling for audiences to experience and think critically about their personal positions in subjects. I am an interdisciplinary artist, who assembles various materials to craft a concrete story. These abstractions are viewed through concepts of layering, embracing, and communication.
Overall, my work is an act of perseverance, as I use process as a means of conquering the hardships of life. The act of overcoming is completed by creating whimsical pieces sourced from our positive memories. These memories are shared as an agent to illustrate how we continue reaching, even through the hardships of borders. Furthermore, my artistic practice allows me to reach out to others, to create connection and understanding. In the end, I see this as an opportunity to thank Fatemeh for our friendship and share the value of a cross-cultural, digital friendship. While letters and packages have touched each other's hand, we will continue to reach until we touch each other’s hand.
Fasaleh
Reclaimed wormy chestnut, walnut, copper, colored pencil
2025
We wait and wait to meet one day. As tensions rise we cannot see each others’ homes. The fading of chance to visit our homes… creates more difficulty. However, through progression and steps – layers – we meet in the middle. We persevere past the difficulties and meet in compromise. Although sadness of absence at our homes, we may meet on land – not our own.
Doosti
Watercolor paper, cardstock paper, fabric, cardboard, acrylic paint, pigmented and natural ink
2025
Two hands not quite touching. Two friends not yet hugging. Open the book to see their story. How they met and how they keep progressing.
This artist book discusses the story of our friendship. We want others to see the power, love, and peace within a cross cultural friendship. Advocating for people, to look past political tensions and open their hearts to the innocence of people. Through details like our languages and cultures, we display collaboration as well as the deep understanding we have for each other.
Molaaqaat Kardan
Copper, flocking, paracord, paper beads, printer ink
2025
Pictures will be published soon…
Harf Zadan
Used notecards, duct tape, vinyl, thread
2025
Pictures will be published soon…
Words from Fatemeh:
دوست دارم که از طرف من بگی که این ۶ سال دوستی برای من از قشنگترین دوستی هایی بوده که داشتم ، ما دو آدم متفاوت از دو ملیت و فرهنگ متفاوت هستیم که هرگز تا حالا همدیگه رو ملاقات نکردیم اما قلب های ما بهم نزدیکه و نقاط مشترک ما هزاران برابر بیشتر از تفاوت هایی هست که داریم
ولی در عین حال هر روز به تفاوت های همدیگه عشق می‌ورزیم و همدیگه رو باور داریم
این عشق و دوستی فرسنگ ها دورتر از دسته بندی های جامعه و زندگی ای است که ما رو از هم دور میکنن
این عشق و دوستی از جنس انسانیت است
(I would like to say on my behalf that these 6 years of friendship have been some of the most beautiful friendships I have ever had. We are two different people from two different nationalities and cultures who have never met before. But our hearts are close and our commonalities are a thousand times greater than our differences.
But at the same time, we love each other’s differences every day and believe in each other.
This love and friendship are miles away from the categories of society and life that keep us apart. This love and friendship are of the nature of humanity)