Artist Statement: My acrylic paintings and ceramic sculptures feature vibrant, abstract compositions that visually distill the scientific wisdom and spiritual teachings of plant life. These multi-layered abstractions are rooted in extensive self-directed study of botanical illustration and ecological research, alongside my deeply personal journey exploring the urgency of environmental anxiety and the complexities of immigrant identity.

This deep connection to nature stems from my dual identity as a Persian American immigrant; while often feeling liminal between cultures, the natural world—from my grandfather's orchard in Tehran to the hills of San Luis Obispo—has consistently offered a profound sense of belonging and rootedness. Through these compositions, I explore my intrinsic ties to the botanical realm, inviting my viewers to reflect on their own identity and relationship with nature.

This fusion of detailed observation and abstraction positions my work within contemporary ecological art dialogues. Drawing influence from thinkers like Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass) and Peter Wohlleben (The Hidden Life of Trees)—who champion Indigenous principles of community care, mutual flourishing, and gift economy—my art challenges conventional Western perceptions of ecological dominance, inviting viewers to actively redefine their interconnection with the natural world.

My process integrates intuitive painting with precise drawing techniques within formal compositions, often echoing the immersive perspective of Japanese screen paintings. This compositional approach, designed to immediately draw the viewer into the scene rather than observing from a distance, is central to my objective of dissolving the perceived separation between human and natural worlds. I begin by developing expansive, vibrant, organic color fields, meticulously layering acrylic paint, inspired by the surprising chromatic shifts observed in local floral species and abstracted botanical and mycological forms. This serves as foundations for intricate, controlled line drawings and textural renderings. This dual approach aims to visually reconcile the perceived chaos of natural forms with their underlying complex systemic order. This current body of work, developed during my residency at Soaring Gardens,