"وطن Vatan"
Medium: Paintings are gouache on paper; the teapot is stoneware, glaze, gold luster, hung with fishing line. "Vatan" translates to "homeland."
Artist Statement:
Nostalgic memories of growing up Iranian and both the utilitarian and decorative artforms that originate from Iran inspire me deeply. The rich detail and color palettes of Persian Miniature art, Persian rugs, tilework, textiles, nature, food, and holidays originating from Iran have informed my worldview since a very young age.
The meditative quality of throwing on the pottery wheel along with the careful and intricate drawing styles I achieve using gouache on paper are deeply fulfilling for me. I create elegant and detail-oriented motifs that celebrate the essence of Iranian art, culture, and tradition.
I create modern ties to ancient traditions and visual flows of symbolism and memory that tie to ethnic and cultural identity within the Iranian diaspora. By celebrating the acceptance of Iranian identities that have been overshadowed, my work serves as a platform where I and others of the diaspora can safely explore narratives within these contexts.
Parissa Rad grew up in Vancouver, WA and moved to Bellingham, WA in 2019. She completed a Bachelors of Fine Arts at Western Washington University in 2022. Heavily influenced by nostalgia and the diasporic experience, her multidisciplinary works reflect on personal and cultural identity while creating modern ties to ancient traditions. Parissa now works as a studio technician and pottery teacher in Bellingham, refining her craft and also hoping to inspire others to explore their creative potential.
