We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Haleh Mashian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Haleh, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
When I was 20 years old, I made a pivotal, life changing decision to escape the Iranian regime under a false name through the border of Turkey with my 13-year old brother. I knew that it would be a very dangerous journey, and it was very difficult leaving behind- my mother, my home, my friends, and life as I knew it. After 6 months, we finally arrived in the United States and started our newfound life in a country where freedom and creativity has no bounds. Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with immense gratitude for the risk I took that propelled me forward. I still draw from the lesson I learned: to always go into the unknown, and that way, I will never lose.
Haleh, 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 have been painting for the last 30 years of my life, along with pursuing other creative muse, such as music, etc. I value creativity immensely because it is the foundational for a happy life. When you are being creative, you are being Godly, for the lack of a better word. In these moments, you become entirely immersed in the present, experiencing joy and freedom.
Over the years, I’ve consistently pushed my artistic boundaries, experimenting with diverse materials and delving into a wide range of subjects.
One day, on my birthday, I was gifted with an insight during a guided meditation where at the end of the meditation, you could ask any question from your inner advisor, which is your clear self – in that moment, I came to the realization that I aspired to elevate my art practice by not only sharing my craft with others but also by establishing a vibrant hub/gallery dedicated to celebrating creativity in all its forms. I did not want to paint in a studio alone all day and not have a continuous exchange of energy with like-minded people. This world is all about energy exchange and relating to people, that’s how we grow, that’s how we evolve.
I decided to open Mash Gallery, a hub where creative minds come together to express their vision through thematic exhibitions through hosting many events and art openings. Being a painter myself, I believe I look at art as art, and not just as a commodity. I often pick work that I personally resonate with and that I am intrigued by. I have showcased over 400 emerging, mid-career, and established artists from all over the world side by side, where each piece gets equal attention and care. I love what I do, and it always puts a smile on my face when I see how much enjoyment people get during my openings. Mash Gallery radiates with creativity, positive vibes, and a strong sense of community involvement.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Like everybody else, when Covid hit, my business practice as I knew it came to a halt. For the longest time, I couldn’t host openings due to the virus. I had curated 21 emerging artist exhibitions from Los Angeles prior to the Covid outbreak. I had to become very creative to make sure I could still host this exhibition in a safe manner, where artists could continue to show their work and the public could have an inspiring event to go to – basically, to keep the art world alive, and not let my participating artists, myself, and the public down.
I came up with the idea of an art fair on the street, in front of my gallery, that at the time was located in the LA Arts district. I basically reinvented the whole exhibition, rented trusses, etc. to hang the artwork and hosted an outdoor exhibition with live music – it was phenomenal. Everyone appreciated the effort and the sense of community and good vibes that it brought to the art scene.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I believe that creativity is a quality and you can bring into anything that you do. You can walk creatively, you can cook creatively, you can clean a room creatively… Imagine a world where everyone was a painter, musician, etc – it wouldn’t go well! So, to me it is a misnomer when someone says “I am not creative.” meaning they cannot play music, draw, paint, etc. My understanding of creativity is that it is a natural phenomena and it requires the dropping of the mind, connecting to ones inner-freedom, and the ability to go into the unknown. It is the flowering of your natural state.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mashgallery.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mash_gallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MashGallery/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mash-gallery/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mashgalleryla?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNw8Grkuw-XkdmykY7a2gw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mash-gallery-los-angeles-2
Image Credits
David Lee Photography