We were lucky to catch up with Darya Fard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Darya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

”The Seven Valleys” Installation project and ”Ineffable Freedom” installation projects are two meaningful projects for me.

”The Seven Valleys” is an installation comprised of Screen-print on Plexi-glass panel & mixed media, video, sound, and shadow. These elements are combined to illustrate the experience of psychological flow, involvement in the present moment and attaining spiritual enlightenment by following a path of seven (7) steps to perfection (The Seven Valleys).

Starting from my roots in Persian traditions, I am branching out, seeking my place in the universe, and looking for enlightenment among other belief systems. I draw inspiration from poets and scholars like Rumi that form the basis of my research – and the Sufi mystic Farid Al-Din Attar in particular. Attar wrote about the seven steps and valleys one must pass to attain enlightenment in his tale The Conference of the Birds. Attar’s poems communicate a holistic essential perception of the world that I find illuminating to my belief systems and faith.

This spiritual exploration plays out in my work. As I represent moments of ecstasy, unity, and transcendence through modern printmaking techniques, I focus on strategies for developing my concept by intersecting printmaking mediums, literature, and mythology. By using unconventional techniques on alternative surfaces, I am creating atmospheric space and a sense of mystery. The Seven Valleys installation presents a multilevel exploration, an investigation of the phenomenology of flow, intentionality, spirituality, consciousness and specifically how humans can experience ecstatic flow in connection with the natural world.

And The Concept behind ”Ineffable Freedom” is my reaction to the ongoing revolution in Iran, about the young generation, especially women who are risking their lives. This project also is a development of my previous project called The Seven Valleys.
The Seven Valleys is inspired by “The Conference of the Birds” poem. The poem tells a story of a difficult journey to find perfection. The birds from all around the world take this journey together to find their leader, called Simorgh. Simorgh is mythical and a supernatural creature in the shape of a bird that represents the Divine. Birds are trying to find perfection after suffering and going through various hardships. Upon reflecting on this, I felt this story and the journey of the birds of seven valleys resemble heroic actions of people in Iran who are fighting, suffering, and risking their lives for freedom.

Darya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a multidisciplinary artist with printmaking concentration and a Visiting Lecturer at Georgia State University. I got my BFA and MFA degrees in Painting programs in Iran, my homeland, and moved to the US to get my second MFA degree in Printmaking program and to continue my career professionally. I taught multidisciplinary classes in Iran and continued my career as a university-level teaching in the US. I have been professionally active in the art world participating nationally and internationally in solo, invitational, juried, and group exhibitions. Currently, I am a participant in the Midtown Alliance’s Artist in residence program, Atlanta, GA, 2023-2024.

My work examines spiritual exploration, considering and questioning its connection with the inner world, nature, and universal intelligence. My primary aesthetic concern is working on visual art and traditional methods focusing on Printmaking and intersecting them with time-based mediums like video, dance/movement, sound, and light and shadow. Conceptually, I focus more on Persian literature, Mythical and epic poetries, stories, and interconnecting these with mythology and psychology. I recently began incorporating scientistic studies and natural phenomena relative to my work.
In my studio practice and recent installations, I used various printmaking techniques like lithography, intaglio, silkscreen, woodcut/linocut, mono-print, and alternative photographic processes, translating them into other mediums to create an atmospheric space.

I have deep connection to literature, culture, dance, and music and an appreciation for Persian/Eastern poetry and spiritual exploration. This multidisciplinary perspective on creativity is based on those questions and a desire help me to explore the connection between my senses and the environment around me. My curiosity fuels creativity by sparking new connections and inspiring fresh insights to explore the unknown and unexpected connections and experiences between seemingly unrelated concepts, which can spark innovation, pushing the boundaries of my understanding. In this way I am more likely to discover novel sights that can be harnessed for creative endeavors.

My emphasis on spiritual experiences as the essence of ineffability shows a recognition of the profound and indescribable nature of certain moments in my life. By examining spiritual exploration and its connection to the inner world, nature, and universal intelligence, I delve into deep and existential themes. The incorporation of Persian literature, mythologies, and psychology adds a rich cultural and psychological context to my artistic exploration. Engaging with the world through my senses and perceiving it as colors, smells, tastes, sounds, and poetry allows me to tap into a holistic perception of the physical and spiritual aspects of existence.

My desire to explore the connection between my senses and the environment around me is a profound approach to creativity. By observing and immersing myself in my surroundings, I am able to capture the nuances of the world uniquely. A resulting heightened awareness of sensory experiences can be channeled into my artistic work, allowing me to evoke emotions and connections that resonate deeply with my audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey has been marked by both lessons and hardships. Focusing on my goals and tackling problems one by one reflects a tenacious spirit that can navigate even the most difficult circumstances. What I have learned the most is to focus on my goals. This involves having the heart to persevere and deal with obstacles. In my own case, this has involved a truly daunting list of disparate things.

My decision to leave my homeland and pursue my dreams in the US demonstrates courage and determination. The challenges associated with immigration, especially as an artist seeking opportunities abroad, are, and continue to be, immense. Adapting to a new culture and language while I am pursuing my career as an educator, and adapting to a new environment while chasing my artistic goals requires strength and willingness to embrace change.

Originally, I am from Iran, and I was lucky to grew up in a creative family, and environment surrounded by poetry, music, etc. Because the lack of opportunities in maternal society and religious community to improve and create my dreams of having a viable life as a female artist, I decided to continue my study abroad and ended up immigrating to the US. This decision involved many tough steps. Though I eventually made it through those burdens, on coming to the United States to study in Graduate School, a new list of hurdles presented themself: Though very lonely, my husband was barred from joining me for two years because of visa issue; Due to sanctions, my Iranian money was devalued; In Iran violence was breaking out, the internet service back home went out, and I lost communications with my family. In my third year of graduate school due to the Covid outbreak in Iran, denied medical services related to a heart condition, my beloved young sister passed shockingly, and that was a moment of near collapse because I had no chance to say goodbye to her. If these experiences taught me a lesson to share, it’s to slow down, pay attention to what is important, take care of oneself and each other and enjoy every moment with our loved ones.

Because of the political issues between my country and the USA, it was difficult to initiate the immigration process, and still, it is. The challenges posed by political issues can be formidable. Initiating the immigration process and continuing to navigate through the ongoing complexities is a testament to my ability to remain focused on my aspirations despite external obstacles. My ability is to maintain momentum and stay dedicated in the face of challenges. A belief in myself and my future has been a driving force throughout my journey. In the face of complex political issues in Iran and diplomatic tensions between my home country and the US and supporting the most recent ongoing revolution of Iran while watching dramatic situation of my people in Iran that fighting with their lived for freedom, my unwavering determination to pursue my professional life, education and career abroad is a testament to my resilience and confidence.

When I review my journey, it reminds me that we can find the inner strength to persevere and overcome and remember that life often presents us with difficulties that can be overwhelming, but my willingness to face these challenges head-on, even when it is difficult, is also a testament of my resilience. It takes great courage to shoulder responsibilities, especially when it feels heavy, and to make sacrifices for the well-being of those you care about and to achieve cherished goals. Despite the pain and mental and emotional challenges that I have faced, I have chosen to stand up, take care of my life and family and loved ones, and continue moving forward. Navigating the complexities of immigration, fulfilling the challenging requirements, investment of time and energy, proving myself capable in my profession and successfully securing a full-time job while also pursing my artistic endeavors is no small feat and highlights my ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. My dedication to every step of this, despite the challenges, speaks volumes about my commitment to my craft and my determination to create a fulfilling life and my sense of responsibility, determination, and resilience shine through my works.

After my graduation my goal was to find a full-time teaching position and four years of hard work and resilience, it has paid off. I was recently hired full time as a visiting lecturer at Georgia State University, which generously sponsored me, enabling me to get my job visa. It was not easy to take all those steps leading to where I now stand. But I am ready with great will and determination to take my next step.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative can vary from person to person, but for me the most rewarding elements that I find fulfilling is in the process of discovery, expressing ideas in new ways and pushing the boundaries of traditional methods as an artist, I have the opportunity to express my thoughts, emotions, and ideas through my work by creating unique and engaging work. This process can often provide a deep sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment.

Connecting with my viewers and people through my work is important to me. Art has the power to touch people on an emotional level and create connections between the artist and the audience. When my work resonates with others, it can spark conversations, evoke empathy, and create a shared experience that bridges gaps and brings people together. Art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and activism. My work, by addressing cultural, mythical, and sociopolitical themes, impacts people and provokes change. It has potential to raise awareness, challenge norms, and inspire critical thinking.

Also, being an artist means continuous learning and growth, constantly exploring, experimenting, and pushing boundaries. The artistic journey is a lifelong process of learning and evolving. Every new project or challenge presents an opportunity to expand my skills, broaden my perspective, and deepen my understanding of myself and the world. I am passionate about combining cultural, mythical, and psychological themes with various artistic mediums. This approach allows me to delve into profound human experiences and aspirations, inviting contemplation and creating transformative immersive experiences for viewers. My commitment to printmaking techniques and their translation into other mediums showcases my technical skills and versatility as an artist, pushing the boundaries and creating captivating visual experiences. My goal is, by staying true to your artistic vision and sharing my work with the world, I have the potential to inspire reflection, evoke emotions, and ignite conversations about spirituality, culture, freedom, and the human experience. These aspects can contribute to the rewarding nature of one’s artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daryafardstudio.com
• Instagram: @daryafardstudio
• Facebook: daryafardstudio
• Youtube: @Daryafardstudio

Image Credits
Darya Fard