We were lucky to catch up with Maryam Sedadi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maryam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The life of an immigrant is almost always defined by taking risks whether they are life-changing or not. I can honestly say that taking risks has been a steady element in my life choices.
I was born and raised in Iran, and along with my family, I came to the US after my high school graduation for a month-long vacation to celebrate my achievement of having been accepted at 3 of the most prominent medical universities in Iran. Once the Islamic Revolution in 1979 reached its peak, my family made the decision to remain in the US and my dreams of becoming a physician were altered almost overnight.
The challenges of the first few years were many, but looking back, they were the catalysts that shaped me into the person I am today. Fast forward 40 years after my arrival, having raised a son as a single mother and having worked in the Banking/Financial industry for 30+ years, I realized deep down that my childhood passion for writing, drawing, doodling, and creating artworks has never left me. I put the fear aside and started creating.
Maryam, 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 grew up in Iran, the land of poetry, art, and music at the time I was growing up. While still in my home country, I participated in multiple drawing contests, poetry readings, and writing competitions and had a knack for it. When I immigrated to the US, it took me years and overcoming many life challenges to find the inner child in me and let her come out to play again. About 10 years ago, I started making handmade cards for friends and family’s special moments and received many compliments on their unique designs. Everyone started asking for more to have, and they were going to pay me to make them! Hah! …and that’s how KIMYA COLLECTION was born!
KIMYA means “something very valuable” in Farsi. As I created more space for my craft, the products expanded from cards to crafted gift items and a lot more. Over the last 4 years, I have been creating analog collages and have accepted a number of commissioned works as well. I am a self-taught artist and I take my time to create what feels right to me to convey my message. My slow process lets me focus, to step back and look at my work as if a potential patron is looking at it for the first time. I love to be engaged in conversation with my clients about art and not necessarily just my artworks!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Personally, I don’t think non-creatives exist! We are all born gifted and creative with different timelines waiting to flourish. I proudly call myself a late bloomer… knowing that I had it in me, but the pressure of fitting into a societally made-up mold, the fear of criticism from nay-sayers created the mind barriers for me. The self-talks that stopped me from doing what I wholeheartedly wanted to do. I think once you realize your truth, you find the drive to change your surroundings to support it. Adding to the creativity you are born with is just like learning any other new skill; as you focus and practice more and get out of your own way, the magic happens!
For me, it was when I decided to put my fear of “what if I paint outside the box” frame of mind aside and stopped being so critical of what I was creating. It was when I realized a creative life is a messy but rewarding life (and not necessarily about the money). It was when I learned more about myself while creating new art and learned how to take these new risks in life without being attached to the outcome. This newfound mindset has made it more exciting to be an artist!
I encourage you to be kinder to your inner child who wants to go out and play; to stay fearless and curious. It may very well lead you to recognizing your creative bliss, whether it’s painting a masterpiece, singing, or setting up an extraordinary dinner table!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I would say it’s definitely making connections with my audience and patrons.
I spent the majority of my 30+ years of professional life as a Relationship Manager at various financial institutions. The art of listening, sharing, and speaking about one’s life experiences deepens the connection with people. I have been fortunate enough to not only benefit from such skills in my professional life but also in my personal and creative life. Sharing life stories is an ancient art; it’s what brings us closer and makes us less critical of each other. The deeper the connection and the compassion, the closer we get to our humanity.
My collage works are created out of my emotions, memories, and wishes, or based on the conversations I have had with people whose words have impacted me so deeply and have shown me a new perspective. I believe the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that there is no ceiling to the imagination. There is no cap on learning and expanding one’s craft. There is so much room to grow, to experiment, and find new favorite techniques you never knew existed. In connecting with others through my work, I find purpose and joy, and I am able to constantly evolve as a creative individual.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kimyacollection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimyacollection
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-sedadi-0a559743/
Image Credits
The Art Spread Exhibition, Gallery Q Exhibition