Maryam Lavaf was born 1977 in Tehran, Iran.

artist statement

I love painting. It's an important part of my life since I knew myself. I believe that I was born to express my feelings about nature and humanity by painting. At first it was just a beautiful game. But gradually it became serious, and I found myself entirely involved in this love of painting. When I understood how to think clearly, I realized that my philosophy of life is summarized by the maxim from Zarathushtra, "Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds." I decided to be among those who renew the world, and make the world progress towards perfection. I think we are the cause of all the good and the bad that happens in our life. There is no bad in nature, therefore, nature plays an important role in my painting style subconsciously. I like to express my feelings using abstract motifs. My works are a composition of forms and colors. I create my paintings randomly, then using vertical forms and lines, I try to finish them perfectly. You can see a clue of this in the filled and empty spaces, with a noticeable colorful area in most of my paintings.

Recently, I moved to the USA (Houston, TX). Living in a new environment with a different culture, mixed with nostalgic feeling about my people and country, at first was a shock. I stopped painting for a short period, but I found myself again. Now I am more creative and motivated to work harder.

backgound

education:

• Graphic Diploma, Molavi Technical High School, Tehran, Iran, 1997
• BA degree of Fine Art (painting), Azad University of Art, Tehran, Iran, 2002

exhibitions:

• Art swap show, Winter Street Studio, Houston, Texas, April 2005
• Group Exhibition in Laleh Gallery, Tehran, Iran, 2003
• Group Exhibition in Jahanara Gallery, Tehran, Iran, 2002