We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pooneh Nik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Pooneh, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive, for me, is a lot like being a traveler on a never-ending journey. I’m always looking for new perspectives, a bit like how I used to pretend to be a gentle butterfly when I was a child, and then the next day pretending I was some mythical, powerful creature, I could be anything. It’s all about seeing things from a different point of view, and it’s this habit of shifting perspectives that keeps my creative juices flowing.
I tend to view my beliefs and ideas as an evolving piece of art. I’m comfortable with deconstructing and reforming them, taking inspiration from the changing world around me. Just as an artist wouldn’t stick to one style forever, I believe my creativity should be just as fluid and adaptable.
Curiosity also plays a big role in keeping my creativity alive. I’m always on the lookout for new experiences and ideas, kind of like a detective on a constant case. Every new piece of information is a potential source of inspiration, a spark that could ignite the next big idea.
At night, when things are quiet, that’s when I let my imagination roam free. It’s a peaceful time for me to explore different ideas and play with possibilities. It’s not as wild as a midnight party, more like a serene evening walk through the landscape of my thoughts.
And at the center of all this, driving my creative process, is a deep-rooted desire to create. It’s not a loud, roaring fire but more like a steady, burning candle that constantly illuminates my creative path
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?
As an artist and professional painter, my lifelong passion for art has guided my career. I studied art in college, specializing in surreal and fantasy-based paintings that blend various media, including digital and oil. For me, art is a reflection of the world around us and a gateway to different realms. I find great excitement in delving into hidden images and symbolism, as it adds an extra layer of intrigue and mystery to the artistic experience. By exploring these hidden elements, I feel a sense of discovery and connection with the artist’s intentions.
I employ symbolism and metaphor to create a dream-like ambiance and convey profound messages and emotions. My work goes beyond the surface, inviting viewers to explore hidden layers and discover deeper meanings. By challenging perceptions and prompting contemplation, I strive to create an immersive experience that takes people on an imaginative journey.
I firmly believe that art possesses the power to ignite change and make a meaningful impact. Therefore, my art goes beyond aesthetics; it aims to provoke thought and stimulate conversations. The most fulfilling aspect of my work is witnessing the effect it has on individuals. Many viewers have shared their moving experiences and expressed how my paintings have helped raise awareness about significant issues. This feedback fuels my pride and motivates me to continue using art as a catalyst for positive transformation.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as an artist, I believe self-awareness, adaptability, and cultural and historical knowledge have been the most impactful qualities shaping my work.
Self-awareness, in particular, has been crucial. It’s about understanding your emotions and how they shape your artistic vision. For me, connecting deeply with my emotions and using them as a guide during the creative process has been vital. If you’re early in your artistic journey, I’d recommend cultivating this self-awareness. It’s not about controlling your emotions but understanding them, accepting them, and using them as a source of inspiration. Practices like introspection, mindfulness, and even journaling can help develop this understanding.
Adaptability, too, has been key. My art is fluid and changes according to my surroundings and life situations. This ability to adapt has allowed me to draw from a variety of experiences and environments, enriching my work in the process. If you’re starting out, be open to change. Understand that your style might evolve as you grow, both personally and professionally. Embrace the uncertainty and view every change as an opportunity to learn and evolve.
A deep understanding of cultural and historical narratives, especially folklore and mythology from different cultures, has played a significant role in my work. This knowledge has allowed me to connect my work to universal human experiences and emotions. If you’re at the beginning of your artistic journey, investing time in learning about different cultures, histories, and stories can be incredibly rewarding. This knowledge can offer fresh perspectives and provide a rich tapestry of ideas to weave into your art.
There’s no right or wrong way to create art. Stay true to yourself, follow your passion, and let your experiences and emotions guide your artistic expression. Your art is your story, your voice, your vision. Never hesitate to share it with the world.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
I’ve been doing some major self-reflection lately, and I think I’ve really grown in understanding myself better. My backstory in Iran wasn’t all about colorful bazaars or fun times. In fact, it was a pretty dark chapter with some deep scars that I’ve carried with me.
When the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement started making waves, those old wounds I’d wrapped up tight in the past began to peek out. My past was knocking, getting louder, insisting I deal with memories I’d packed away long ago.
This movement hasn’t just changed my art, it’s kickstarted a personal journey. Over the last year, I’ve been healing, accepting, and shining a light on those dark corners of my past through my art.
It’s been rough, but also kind of a cleanse. I’ve grown more in the past year than ever before. Art has become my way of making peace with my past, turning the dark stuff into fuel for change. It’s helped me push for social justice and human rights. It’s made me feel more connected with myself and has added a real, raw emotion to my work.
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