We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Farnoosh Doroodgar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Farnoosh , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity and art have served as essential tools for survival in everyday life for me and many other artists. The experience of living in Iran, along with the restrictions faced by many individuals, particularly artists, has awakened a new and distinct form of creativity. The common thread among the artists and innovative individuals we recognize today lies in the gaps and tensions that have fostered a creative environment.
However, as an artist, in order to maintain this creative spirit throughout one’s professional journey and life, it is crucial to adapt one’s lifestyle to align with their activities. Reading, studying, and learning are fundamental; the most important factor in cultivating creativity is having a curious mindset that drives one to explore the unknown. Additionally, possessing a multifaceted perspective significantly influences the creative process. Therefore, engaging with cognitive and human sciences, alongside foundational artistic knowledge, can enhance your creative journey.
Another important aspect is to cultivate resilience and flexibility. Throughout the creative process, you will encounter various tensions and challenges that require you to enjoy the journey while exercising patience and increasing your adaptability.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a digital /Visual artist and model who grew up in Tehran, Iran. I am thirty-six years old and hold a degree in Economics. My passion for art developed in childhood, and I have pursued painting seriously since 2017.
In recent years, my works have been published and exhibited in various publications, including EL PAIS in Spain in 2022, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine in 2024, and The Wrong International Digital Art Biennale in 2021, as well as other art magazines worldwide. Recently, my work was displayed at the Art Innovation Gallery billboard exhibition in Times Square, New York, in 2024.
Digital art has always been a fresh and creative medium for me to create artistic works, and the surrealist style that I am fond of aligns very well with this medium.
My primary concern regarding the themes of my works has always been women and a new expression of the concept of femininity. Along this journey, I have learned a great deal from both Iranian and non-Iranian women who are artists, researchers, and entrepreneurs, and they have served as my role models for presenting better works.
As a Middle Eastern woman who is aware of many limitations, being a voice for women has always been my main objective, which is reflected in my works.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
This is a very important question, and I hope that the response I provide will be helpful to your audience.
The first step in overcoming fear in the learning process is to embrace flexibility along with your spirit of inquiry. These qualities serve as the greatest assets for your growth as an artist and, ultimately, as a more complete human being. Fear often arises from a lack of knowledge; therefore, if we view ignorance as a fresh opportunity for discovery, we can enter the path of learning and growth without hesitation and equipped with the right mindset.
The second step is the learning process itself. The more knowledge and awareness you acquire, and the more you cultivate a critical perspective, the greater the creativity and innovations you will generate along this journey. Thus, studying holds significant importance.
The final and crucial step is to maintain a realistic outlook and enhance your resilience. The path of growth and creativity is not an overnight journey; rather, it is a long process where the more you strengthen your perseverance and patience, the more successful you will become. There is no need to emulate others to achieve rapid growth; time is your greatest asset for understanding yourself, your goals, and your ideals.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
As you are aware, I am currently engaged in this interview with you amidst the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. In these frightening and unusual circumstances, revisiting Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate journey of humanity toward growth and the realization of its ideals. It emphasizes transforming every occurrence into an opportunity for growth and creativity, and converting each threat into an opportunity through the knowledge gained!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.farnoosharyan.com
- Instagram: Https://www.Instagram.com/farnoosh.aryan
Image Credits
1.Farshad Fayaz ( the main picture above)
2.My series of digital Paintings using Wacom intuos pro and oil painting
3. Kimia Sharafi: The last picture (me wearing my fabric designed dress)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
