I am an Assyrian American, and my journey as an artist has been deeply intertwined with my transnational experiences. In 1999, I became a naturalized U.S. citizen in California, the place where my American story began. From a young age, I was drawn to the arts, and my formative years were marked by a profound aspiration to paint in the tradition of the Old Masters, to explore the world, and to engage with the breadth of global cultural expressions.
At an early age, I ventured to Italy, the cradle of the Renaissance, where I immersed myself in the artistic and intellectual legacy of that era. I fell in love with Italy’s rich cultural tapestry, learned Italian, and forged meaningful connections with its people. During my two years there, I dedicated myself to mastering classical techniques, an experience that radically expanded my artistic perspective.
In 1982, I was drawn to Holland, a land steeped in the profound artistic heritage of Rembrandt and the Dutch Masters. Holland’s unique cultural milieu captivated me, and I embraced both the language and the aesthetic rigor of its artistic traditions. My time in Holland was a vital chapter in my creative evolution.
By 1984, I found myself in the United States, a country whose immense geographical and cultural diversity offered new dimensions of exploration. After traveling across California and other parts of the country, I ultimately settled in the high desert of Taos, New Mexico—a place whose spiritual and artistic energy resonated deeply with me. I enrolled at UNM Taos, where I completed my BA in Studio Art, before advancing my studies at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where I focused on the classical disciplines of drawing and painting.
After earning my MFA from AAU, I returned to Taos, a place that continues to inspire my practice. The town’s intimate yet richly diverse community, coupled with the expansive natural beauty of the region, provides an unparalleled backdrop for my ongoing exploration of art and culture.
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