Ghazal Rahimi of West Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Ghazal Rahimi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Ghazal , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Energy! Everything is energy. The energy and intention behind all that we do matter. And at the end of the day, we are all just energy, and everything physical around us in the world is also just energy. I am learning more and more every day that, with changing my energy, I can change my inner and outer world. Energy is also what we don’t see; we feel it. All artworks originate from an idea, an inspiration, an energy… and they come into the physical world through materials that we see and feel. It takes an enormous amount of energy to create.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ghazal Rahimi. I’m an interdisciplinary visual artist. My work bridges painting, drawing, sculpture, and installation. Within my art practice, I explore themes of change, time, memory, and displacement. Art has always been the way for me to understand the world and help me connect to my inner world. I currently have a home studio, which is working really well for me, and it helps me balance my work, art, and life better. I run my own studio and sell my work independently, and sometimes through galleries. I believe art should be for everyone! Everyone should have the chance to connect with art, create art, and perhaps even collect art. I know sometimes people may not be able to collect larger paintings, but they may be able to own a smaller piece or perhaps prints. I hope people can live with art in their lives and in their personal spaces; that’s why, alongside my larger paintings and sculptures, I also create smaller, more accessible works, which are sometimes functional pieces like an ashtray, but they’re always conceptually linked to the rest of my practice. I think of my small ceramic pieces as conceptual objects. I believe in the power of art to shape and transform individuals and communities. I also love teaching and working with students. Teaching has always shaped and transformed my work in the studio! I’m currently developing my own workshops, designed to help people reconnect with their creativity, engage in meaningful conversations, and enjoy the experience of creating something with their hands. Stay tuned for the workshops! I will post about them on my website and Instagram soon!

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think judgment breaks the bond between people and creates separation. and LOVE always restores, reconnects, and heals.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
In Rumi’s poetry and in much of Eastern philosophy’s teachings, suffering is regarded as a treasure. I think that is true. In my own life, nothing has pushed me to grow as much as my own sufferings. To grow out of my suffering, I had to search for answers and expand my knowledge, and in the process, I became someone else. I think suffering forces you to take a look inside and forces you to know yourself better. It has guided me to find more love. Suffering is a great teacher. I learned a lot through the suffering of searching for love outside of myself. It always pointed me inward, and I learned a lot about who I am, which is truly all I need to be more “successful”.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I think so. Of course, the version of me in a coffee shop getting coffee with a friend is different from a version of me teaching in a classroom, but they are both real me! I try to avoid being in places or groups where I don’t feel like myself, but I also think it’s important to consider why that is the case.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
The love in my heart, my passions, intentions, and just energy!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ghazalrahimi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghazalrahimi_studio

Image Credits
Ghazal Rahimi