We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amir H.toosi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amir, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I have learned through a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and cultural influences. My MFA program in sculpture at SIUE has given me a structured approach to art and design, while my background in woodworking, shaped by my family’s carpentry traditions, provided a foundation in craftsmanship and material understanding. Living and being influenced by wood and Middle East culture inspires my work. My research into optic tools such as telescopes and microscopes, as concepts of observation, explores our existence, reality, and imagination, and how humans expand their understanding of the world through man-made tools. This provides me with a solid narrative for creating sculptures and connects my personal experiences to universal themes.
Focusing earlier on the intersection of woodworking, Persian culture, and contemporary art streamlined my artistic journey. Learning advanced techniques in optics or experimenting with materials like wood and glass in unique ways improved my ability to bring conceptual ideas to life.
Woodworking and craftsmanship form the foundation of my work. Conceptual thinking, which combines personal and cultural stories, is key to my approach. By using tools like microscopes and telescopes as my creative language, I invite my audience to reflect on perspective and point of view in both the micro and macro worlds.
Balancing multiple roles as a teacher and student may limit the time available for creative experimentation with the concepts of my work. Additionally, translating deeply personal and cultural ideas into a universal visual language is a complex challenge that requires constant refinement. As an international student, missing my family back home can also be an obstacle, sometimes affecting my productivity.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Amir, an international/Iranian MFA sculpture candidate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, with a years family history in woodworking and craftsmanship. My work explores a universal language, blending personal and cultural narratives with the concept of tools like telescopes and microscopes to examine individual perspectives and scale. My journey from Iran to the United States, my artistic family traditions, and my dreams about the Galaxy and cosmos have shaped my ability to share my story. Through my artistic lens, I invite viewers to shift their perspectives and consider new points of view. My goal is to inspire curiosity and encourage people to explore the unknown, whether that means understanding different cultures, perspectives, or uncovering the blind spots in our world through my art.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Three years ago, my wife decided to continue her education in mechanical engineering at a higher level. After discussing it, we decided to apply to universities in a country known for providing high-quality education in this field. At the time, I was deeply involved in my family business, but I couldn’t imagine being apart from my wife for the two years it would take for her to complete her program.
Long story short, we moved here together. Out of curiosity, I visited the Art and Design Department, where I met a professor. We talked about my background and experiences, and he encouraged me to interview for the MFA program. After a successful interview and portfolio review, I was accepted as an MFA student.
My life has changed so much since then, and I’m incredibly grateful we made that decision for our family. Over these three years, I’ve grown, learned, and continue to learn every day. Taking risks and staying consistent have taught me valuable lessons. I’ve realized that pursuing your goals and interests not only helps you mature but also opens the door to unbelievable opportunities in life.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
To me, talking and communicating with others through art feels effortless. Art is like a universal language that reveals the deep similarities between people. When we communicate through art, we can connect without argument and experience a shared sense of understanding that goes beyond words.
Nowadays, with the speed of life, people barely have time to truly connect, and it feels like everyone is becoming more isolated. For me, art is a pause—a break from the rush—to reflect on the incredible journey humanity has taken through civilization.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: AmirH.Toosi (@amirh.toosi). Instagram
Image Credits
portrait pictures taken by David Museve.