Artist Statement
My works are lyrical, spiritual, layered and flowing, revealing the stories of unity in
diversity, hope and connection, celebration of earth and women. The common
thread running through my work is that I am seeking oneness among humanity, soil
and soul.
Arabic Calligraphy, miniatures, and the folk art are strong influence on my work. I
have tried to bring together Eastern spirituality and Western techniques of painting
learned over the years. Through contrasting elements in my work, I yearn and search
for unity and balance.
I work in a series, and each new series has evolved from the previous series. My
most recent exploration looks at mycelia, the great coordinating, underground
connection system in forests. Mycelia is my new muse! And for the first time I am
adding scientific investigation and research to a project that includes my usual
spiritual inquiry and spontaneous explorations of form. Through my explorations in
these life-giving networks under our feet, creating visual images of these
connections and collaborations satisfies my soul. I hope to bring humanity together
with lessons learned from nature.
My story begins with a line and the lines that I create represent the spiritual energy
that emanates from my soul. My method is a physical and meditative process that
fills each canvas with moving lines and multi-layered textures. For me creating art
means getting physically involved with the piece: scratching, sanding, layering
materials like paper, rope, modeling paste, paper-mâché or copper plate, and
embroidering with pen and ink. I apply thin layers of acrylic color in between adding
textures and this working process brings out subliminal images. Presently I am
painting with rust, oil pastels, using jute twine rope on 3ply handmade Korean Hanji
paper, and applying glaze to seal everything. In my studio mysteries are revealed
each day and I feel awed and inspired to delve further into the unknown fearlessly
and look out for new visions emerging on my canvas.
I feel blessed because I was born with two wings- the urge to create and a love for
Creation. Both these gifts have been sources of eternal joy and a constant flow of
positive inspiration in my life. I work daily and hope to spread the joy and blessings I
have received through my work.
Salma Arastu
My works are lyrical, spiritual, layered and flowing, revealing the stories of unity in diversity, hope and connection, celebration of earth and women. The common thread running through my work is that I am seeking oneness among humanity, soil and soul.
Arabic Calligraphy, miniatures, and the folk art are strong influence on my work. I have tried to bring together Eastern spirituality and Western techniques of painting learned over the years. Through contrasting elements in my work, I yearn and search for unity and balance.
I work in a series, and each new series has evolved from the previous series. My most recent exploration looks at mycelia, the great coordinating, underground connection system in forests. Mycelia is my new muse! And for the first time I am adding scientific investigation and research to a project that includes my usual spiritual inquiry and spontaneous explorations of form. Through my explorations in these life-giving networks under our feet, creating visual images of these connections and collaborations satisfies my soul. I hope to bring humanity together with lessons learned from nature.
My story begins with a line and the lines that I create represent the spiritual energy that emanates from my soul. My method is a physical and meditative process that fills each canvas with moving lines and multi-layered textures. For me creating art means getting physically involved with the piece: scratching, sanding, layering materials like paper, rope, modeling paste, paper-mâché or copper plate, and embroidering with pen and ink. I apply thin layers of acrylic color in between adding textures and this working process brings out subliminal images. Presently I am painting with rust, oil pastels, using jute twine rope on 3ply handmade Korean Hanji paper, and applying glaze to seal everything. In my studio mysteries are revealed each day and I feel awed and inspired to delve further into the unknown fearlessly and look out for new visions emerging on my canvas.
I feel blessed because I was born with two wings- the urge to create and a love for Creation. Both these gifts have been sources of eternal joy and a constant flow of positive inspiration in my life. I work daily and hope to spread the joy and blessings I have received through my work.
