Growing up in a small town in Northeast Iran in 1976, my world was defined by two contrasting realities: financial hardship and boundless dreams. As the eldest in a poor family, I learned early on that survival required both resilience and creativity. Money was tight, but my imagination was limitless.

At the age of 13, I began working as a carpet design copier for local weavers. Back then, electricity had only just arrived in our town, and we had no modern tools, certainly no copy machines. Necessity became the mother of invention: I built my own copy machine out of a wooden box, a glass sheet, and a lamp. With this simple contraption, I could trace and replicate intricate patterns. Over time, I stopped merely copying; instead, I started modifying, improving, and eventually creating my own original designs.

Carpet weaving was more than just a source of income, it was my first introduction to the language of symbols. Persian carpets, like many traditional art forms, are rich with meanings, each motif carrying stories of faith, culture, and history. This early exposure to symbolism shaped my artistic vision and continues to influence my work today.

A Journey Through Art, Symbolism, and Teaching

My passion for symbols led me beyond carpets into art history and design education. Today, as a professor of art history, I teach courses exploring the deep connections between art, religion, and cultural storytelling. My academic focus extends across Near Eastern, Middle Eastern, Islamic, and Ancient Egyptian art, tracing the threads that weave civilizations together.

I have had the privilege of teaching at institutions such as The School of Visual Arts in New York City, Bard College Prison Initiative, and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). My courses, such as Religion and Visual Arts, Symbols in Art and Design, Alchemy and Astrology in Art, and Myth and Legend in Art, explore how diverse cultures express their beliefs through visual language.

Hold Fast to Dreams

(FAZ)

Hold fast to dreams,
For if they die,
Life becomes a barren field,
A bird with broken wings, unable to fly.

My dreams keep me sane,
They bring me joy—
A world without sorrow,
A life filled with light.

Dreams drape around you like a flowing dress,
Soft and radiant, a shield against despair.
Close your eyes, spread your wings,
Make a wish—follow where it leads.

Life is fleeting, delicate, and brief,
So chase your dreams, believe in their fire.
I believe in dreams—
For in them, I find my truest desire…….

Each summer, I lead a destination course in Egypt, offering students an immersive experience where history comes alive. Through travel and firsthand exploration, they witness the enduring power of symbols in ancient temples, tombs, and artworks.

The Role of Art in Bridging Cultures

One of the most critical aspects of my work is building bridges between cultures through art. Symbols transcend language barriers; they offer a universal form of storytelling. Whether in a Persian carpet, an Egyptian hieroglyph, or Islamic geometric patterns, art reveals our shared human experience.

My work in correctional facilities through Bard College’s Prison Initiative has reinforced this belief. Teaching Islamic art and geometric drawing to incarcerated students has shown me that art is not just about aesthetics, it is about empowerment, education, and transformation. The ability to create and interpret symbols connects us to history, philosophy, and each other.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Creativity

Although I no longer design carpets, my artistic journey continues through painting, research, and teaching. The cost of carpet production has made it difficult to continue, but the essence of my work remains the same: to tell stories, preserve traditions, and inspire others to see the world through the lens of art and symbolism.

From a self-made copy machine in a small Iranian town to leading art history courses in New York and beyond, my journey has been shaped by hard work, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Art has always been my tool—not just for survival, but for exploration, education, and connection.

Through art, we find meaning. Through symbols, we find history. And through teaching, I hope to pass this legacy on to future generations.

[Ed. Note: please go to Instagram: faz_arts and https://www.instagram.com/faz_arts/ for more images of the artist’s work]