We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fedra Yazdi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Fedra, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?
I am very committed to my craft.  I show up to my studio regularly, dedicating 6-8 hours painting. Sometimes, when I’m not in the studio,  I do exercises on color theory and other related studies to stay connected. I never stop learning, and practicing.  I’ve also attend workshops. Ultimately, the most important thing is maintaining a consistent painting schedule while continually pushing your boundaries to explore and learn new techniques.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Taking a break from a painting you’re stuck on, whether it’s for a day or even a week, can make a big difference. I often find it refreshing to start a new project, but I’m always committed to finishing what I’ve started. I return to the original painting unless it has major, irreparable flaws only then I walk away for good. However, the time apart often gives me the distance needed to see the work with fresh eyes and renewed perspective to complete my painting.

What skills do you think were most essential?
Experimentation, consistent practice, and establishing a routine are the pillars of my growth in my creative journey. When you commit to the habit of creating regularly, everything else begins to align naturally. Experimenting allows you to push boundaries, while practicing improves your skills and builds confidence over time. Together, these habits create a dynamic creative process enabling you to evolve and thrive in your craft.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Everyday life has its ups and downs—whether it’s something like my little puppy getting sick or other unexpected challenges that life throws your way. That’s why having a routine in your creative process is so important; it helps you stay grounded and focused, no matter what comes along.

Fedra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a contemporary artist with an academic background in Film and Theater, though I am a self-taught painter. I have been painting for over a decade now, but I became a full-time artist about three years ago. After losing my corporate job in Silicon Valley, I decided to focus entirely on my art. Initially, I started painting abstract robots, followed by purely abstract pieces. But my work didn’t feel authentic, I knew I had to make some serious changes in my work to become a better painter.
Everything changed when I began working on the “Missing Homeland” series. Through this project, I found a unique voice and style in my work, which helped me stand out. It opened many doors for exhibitions, contest wins, and other opportunities. This series strives to capture the immigrant journey, seeking balance between embracing a new home and staying connected to one’s homeland.
What problems do you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others?
My work doesn’t focus on solving problems, so I’m not sure this question fully applies. However, my art explores the immigrant experience—starting with the emotional journey of leaving one’s homeland, adjusting to life in a new country, and eventually creating a sense of belonging. It reflects on resilience, adaptation, and what it means to find home again.

What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc?
I take colors very seriously. Color is my expression. Through color, I express my thoughts and emotions. When I began working on the “Missing Homeland” series, my first painting was black, pyrrole dark red, with small splashes of cerulean blue, and it looked awful. Migration is a serious topic, and the dark palettes wasn’t aligned with the message I wanted to convey. Especially since immigration is under such scrutiny, I really wanted to shine a positive light on the subject.
I knew, I needed to dig deep, both emotionally and technique wise. I revisited my studies on color theory, reflecting on how to create a color story that could balance the complexity of the subject. It took practice, experimentation, and patience, but in the end, the results felt authentic and worth the effort.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Following trends!! The art world, like many industries, is influenced by trends. Early in my career, I found myself following these trends, creating pieces that aligned with the popular styles of the moment. However, I realized that this approach was very damaging to my work, as my work lacked authenticity. As an artist, it’s essential to stay true to your own voice and develop a unique style that reflects who you are, regardless of what’s currently in style. I’m not suggesting you create something outdated or irrelevant. It’s about finding a balance between your artistic vision and what resonates with what’s popular.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs !

I don’t know much about them, but everyone who has approached me through social media or my website, it used to be at lease once or twice a week, it has turned out to be a scam. They often start by complimenting your work and expressing interest in buying it, but who knows what they are really after, it could be anything, from identity theft to something else shady. Just stay away from responding back, I would say.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moose-sunfish-3j6s.squarespace.com/config/pages/660f0151ba1f166119f4cbfe/categories/6610067a39ab8811c4a16bb9
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fedrafinearts/

Image Credits

All the painting are by me.
The images of my paintings Missing Homeland, #2,3,4,5,6,9 were scanned by, Bellevue fine art.
The images of my paintings migration series 7&8 were scanned by me.
The photo of me is photographed by Beb C. Reynol.