Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Saba Farhoudnia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Saba, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism stems from the wealth of life experiences I’ve accumulated over time. There have been moments when I’ve had to reassess my path or consider changes due to negative opinions, but every time something positive occurs, it serves as a powerful reminder of my beliefs. Initially, I may have brushed off these positive occurrences, but I’ve come to realize they reflect my core beliefs. I’ve learned to absorb the energy from these moments, understanding that no matter how dark things may seem or how many setbacks I encounter, there’s always a glimmer of hope waiting for me at the end of the tunnel. It’s a journey of separating my shadows from my true self, and I’m embracing it wholeheartedly.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I was born during the Iran-Iraq War and raised in the aftermath, an experience not all from my generation in other countries could understand. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the pivotal role art played during that tumultuous time. Painters adorned walls with large portraits of war and soldiers, while graffiti became a form of expression embedded in our environment. Movies, music, literature, and stories all reflected the atmosphere of the era. Despite living in a comfortable apartment with parents who were art enthusiasts, I experienced a paradox – a fragile outside world juxtaposed with an Eden-like sanctuary at home.
Upon immigrating to the USA, I realized this artistic expression surrounded me here as well. I couldn’t shake the thoughts of its impact, ultimately shaping the narrative of my own paintings.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Through experiences as a lifeguard and participating in swimming races, I’ve learned the value of pacing oneself; sometimes, slowing down ensures you finish the race.
Practicing Persian drumming and calligraphy has helped me combine two disperate artistic forms, into a single visual expression. The music influences how I depict rhythm and structure in my paintings, employing brushstrokes to mirror the flow of melody.
Immersing myself in the history of both my home country and my adopted country by visiting art museums and historic locations whereever I can find them, has shaped my visual language to be transparent, universal, and boundless.
I sometimes find inspiration in the image of a determiend jockey, riding a winning horse: I focus solely on what lies ahead, filtering out distractions and embracing the joy of pursuing my goals.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents played a crucial role in shaping my diverse experiences. By enrolling me in various courses and activites, I was able to build my general knoweldge of the world. From calligraphy and chess, to basketball, swimming, music, and even literature and religious studies, these classes enabled me to explore different facets of myself from a young age.
My experienced have helped me better develop my dreams and understand why those dreams mattered. Now, I am learning how to pursue them. Early on, I identified a passion and a skill for art, and aspired to become an artist (or alternatively an Olympic-level swimmer, but that goal seems less likley as the years go on!). My parents’ unwavering support and reverence for the artistic life, coupled with their respect for all my choices, have been invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sabafarhoudnia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabafarhoudnia/
Image Credits
Portrait: Saba Farhoudnia at studio in Brooklyn. Photograph by Mercedes Jelinek ——————————- 8 Artworks : please follow with the title 1) Falling Petals, Standing Rose, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 46 x 54 inches | 116.8 x 137.2 cm Photo by Mercedes Jelinek 2)Her Bridge to the Blue Rose, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 42 x 26 inches | 106.7 x 66 cm photo by Mercedes Jelinek 3)If I were Elain De Kooning, 2023 Acrylic on canvas 60 x 72 inches | 152.4 x 182.9 cm photo by Mercedes Jelinek 4)My Red Shoes, Your Silver Teeth, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 16 x 20 inches | 40.6 x 50.8 cm photo by Mercedes Jelinek 5)Slipping Eclipse, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 20 x 24 inches | 50.8 x 60.96 cm photo by Mercedes Jelinek 6)Where Do I Begin, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 16 x 20 inches | 40.6 x 50.8 cm photo by Mercedes Jelinek 7)The Golden Egg, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 15 x 19 inches | 38.1 x 48.3 cm photo by Mercedes Jelinek 8) Installation view of Saba Farhoudnia: Falling Petals, Standing Roses, photo by Ken Lee, courtesy of Fou Gallery
