Today we’d like to introduce you to Arezoo Bharthania.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Arezoo. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was studying math in high school, but because of my interest in art, I switched to art in college. In 2004, I earned my BFA in painting back in my hometown Tehran, Iran. To freely express myself as an artist, my husband and I decided to move to the United States, which was a huge step in both my personal life and career.
Once we were settled, I continued my studies in art at CSUN, and obtained my MA in 2012. Shortly thereafter, I decided to continue my education, and received my MFA in visual art from CSULB in 2015. My first exhibitions in the United States began during my graduate studies, and I feel very fortunate to have been included in several group shows since then. To sustain my art practice, I work as a freelance graphic designer, which allows me the flexibility to spend most of my day in the studio.
My artwork extends beyond the traditional painting; it is hard to explain but my art is a hybrid of painting, sculpture, and sometimes installation. My most recent work was shown in the show “Brand 45 Works on Paper” curated by Leslie Jones (curator of Prints and Drawings at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art), at the Brand Library in Glendale in September 2017.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, as an immigrant, it was not a smooth road for me. I had to work hard to be able to provide for my basic needs before I could move to the next goal, which was to advance my art. Culture shock was a big obstacle that I had to overcome. Although I knew English before coming to the United States, being fully immersed in a new culture while pursuing graduate studies was difficult. I still find myself struggling to find a balance between the two cultures I belong to.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m an individual artist who works in a variety of mediums and materials. My artwork merges painting, sculpture, and installation. I seek to find an equilibrium between my origins in Iran, and who I am now by merging memory with current events from both cultures. I view my works as a unique expression of my feelings and personal life through the materials and methods that I apply to my art.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I always do my best efforts to reach my goals, enjoying the path regardless of the outcome. However, in spite of my best efforts, I owe much of my success to the devotion of my family, friends, and mentors. I believe I have gotten to this point in my life because their positive influence motivates me. I am incredibly lucky to have such a caring network of people surrounding me.
Contact Info:
- Website: arezoobharthania.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_bharthania/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abharthania
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