“Human beings are like parts of a body, created from the same essence. When one part is hurt and in pain, others cannot remain in peace and be quiet. If the misery of others leaves you indifferent, you cannot be called a human being.” -Sa’adi, 12th Century Iranian Poet


The exploration of nature and the human form is where my work stems from. I am interested in the existence of human beings on a spiritual level and the connections that exist between individuals and cultures. The images I represent in my work derive from my daily visual and emotional experiences, tied in with my desire to look deeper at society on a whole.

My work depicts human bodies interwoven and interlocked, each possessing their own uniqueness and always functioning as a group. I like to capture bodies engaged in modes of conversation through gestures of holding on and letting go of touch, the exchange of a glance, or the expression of a subtle movement held within the body.

In my paintings, I create a balance between the juxtaposition of a highly intricate form versus a uniformly simplistic background. I like to play with the use of space to emphasize a timeless and contemplative atmosphere. I am fascinated by the fragmented or seemingly imperfect parts present in nature and often like to create a similar feeling by combining intentional careless handling of my mediums along with skillful technique. Each figure or form is painted with careful detail, however none perfectly rendered. Similar to my paintings, each one of my bronze figures is sculpted with great attention to detail, yet never made perfect. I enjoy working with bronze for its ability to produce tactile and expressive surfaces. Like a Persian carpet, bodies are linked together forming a chain of figures or following the natural shape of a branch.

The work I produce concerns a void created by disconnection from nature and addresses the loss of common threads and bonds between human beings. Whether in isolation, motion, or stillness, the figures in my work are all interconnected as a whole, each seeking to find harmony with and through nature.


2006-02-15