1. Can you tell me a little bit about you?
My name is Ziba, a recent MFA graduate from the School of Art at the University of Arkansas; currently, I am based in Arkansas, Fayetteville.
2. What first inspired you to begin making art?
Ever since I remember, I have been making things with my hand or painting on any surface that I could find around me. In high school, I was pretty sure that I want to pursue art as my future career.
3. What is your studio like?
I have a desk that I use to work with my laptop, write or make drawings. I have covered the whole floor with two layers of thick plastic sheets and two layers of canvas. I make all my paintings on the floor.
4. Do you listen to music when you're painting? What are some artists you're currently listening to?
Yes, music is like a fuel for my productivity engine. It helps me focus, and rhythmically move my body and hands to make marks on the canvas. Recently, I have been listening to jazz-fusion music such as a brilliant album by Mahan Mirarab "Persian Side of Jazz", as well as Tigran Hamasyan, Siriya Ensamble, Mohsen Namjoo, and Ibrahim Maalouf.
5. Can you talk a little about your process?
I never start a painting on a blank canvas. There is always the residue of the past paintings on the canvas when I start a new one.
6. What ideas are you exploring in your work?
My work is about my relationship with places and how the history of places is intertwined with people's personal history.
7. Who/What are influences for your work?
Persian traditional design, especially rug and tile design, has extremely influenced my work. In contemporary art, I am inspired by Helen Frankenthaler, Molly Hartung Zuckerman, and Alan Shields.
8. How do you overcome 'failure'?
I see failure as a new possibility and try to transform the failed practice into something new. Otherwise, I just learn from it.
9. How do you seek out opportunities?
In my dead times, I seek opportunities online, for example, the CAA website, and if something looks related to my practice, I apply for it during the weekend.
10. If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as an incoming 1st year grad, what advice would you give?
Be more flexible and open to new ideas and possibilities, and do not wait until the third semester to open up. ;)
11. What is the most exciting thing you've done or accomplished so far, related to your work?
I think there are two equal things in terms of accomplishment: Artist 3 60 grant and Vermont Studio Center residency.
12. What are you working on now?
I am working on a new series that represents delicates moments in Persian architecture design while I am studying Islamic art philosophy and aesthetics.