Today we’d like to introduce you to Fariba Abedin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Fariba. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Iran, and I studied Math in high school. I moved to the United States for continuing education in the late seventies and studied architecture for undergrad, and science in graduate school. I was always interested in painting from young age all the way through college. I moved to Houston in 1983 and continued studying painting and sculpture at Glassell School of Art, MFAH. I painted in many different styles during the last thirty-five years, till I was drawn back to Math, Architecture and Geometric Abstraction, since 2010.
During my early years, I was exposed to the rich art and culture of Iran. The unique architecture, geometric forms, and rich colors of Persian tiles always fascinated me.
Today, the concept of my work is in appreciation of nature and science, color and geometry, and the mission of my work is to bring the beauty of Persian art and architecture into the view of the west in a contemporary presentation.
I intend for my work to engage people and make them happy. I also convey a message of love and peace through my art.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I had my challenges when I was trying to do different things until finally, I realized that I would be the happiest to paint for the rest of my life. Painting was my passion and I was naturally drawn to it. I believe an artist does not retire from work, as the Iranian artist Monir Farmanfarmaian was working to the last days of her life passing away lately at age 97. This is incredible.
I also had a hard time to narrow down on my style of painting as I painted in many different styles through the time. Ultimately, the geometric abstraction was the style I liked and felt the most comfortable with.
Art like most other fields is a saturated profession and it is not easy for most artists to fully support themselves during the first few years.
Please tell us about Abedin Fine Art.
Fariba Abedin is an Iranian America artist doing business as Abedin Fine Art. Abedin’s work explores geometric abstraction with an emphasis on color study where geometry and color become the subjects of her intriguing paintings. She carefully selected shades and tones create the illusion of volume, space, and transparency.
Although Abedin’s work is geometric and structural, her concept of work is tender and appealing in its appreciation of nature and science, color and geometry. She also conveys a message of love and peace through her work.
She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from Massachusetts College of Art and a Master of Science in Education from Connecticut State University. Then, for the next three decades, she studied painting and sculpture at prominent art institutions such as Art League of Houston and Glassell School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
She lives and works in Houston and has exhibited, and given lectures and workshops in geometric art at The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art in Dallas, Pear Fincher Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, University of North Texas, Irving Art Center, and in Houston, Asia Society, Lawndale Art Center, Jung Center, Bank of America Center, and the Houston City Hall. She is among the 29 artists on the Houston Arts Alliance, City of Houston’s Artists Roster recommended for public art projects. She is also among Top 5 Houston Artists by Houston Magazine.
Lately her design was selected for the Houston Sky Art Billboard from among the entries of ninety four artist.
Also, her work was purchased by United Airlines for the Houston Intercontinental Airport.
She was selected along with eighteen other Houston artists from among two hundred fifty artist applying for the IAH acquisition and commissions.
“Fariba Abedin’s paintings dissect light into its prismatic components. She then re-configures these component colors into sometimes large-scale compositions. Reminiscent of early Bauhaus concepts, especially ideas by Johannes Itten in his book “The Art of Color”, Abedin goes beyond the original Bauhaus premises and articulates novel geometric color fields of her own provenance.” By: Volker Eisele
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I can only have advice for the people in my own field, the young artists:
Training and gaining knowledge is very important. Getting educated in any field is the easiest path to success. Follow the work of the artists you like and try to have an internship with the ones you like to gain skills. Prior work experience in the field of interest is always helpful.
Forming a network of artists to work together as a community and have a group support will help every one. As a network you have better opportunity to be known to the public.
You have to have passion in what you do to succeed. Don’t get disappointed and discouraged from constructive criticism, instead, take advantage of it to build up on it.
You will succeed in any field if you work hard, keep up to date, and do your best.
Take pride in your work, use the finest materials you can afford. Remember your artwork will last for generations and you owe it to your collectors to offer them the best you can.
Be mindful of time. Time is the most precious thing we have in our lives. Those who are conscience of time, they succeed early in life. Losing the momentum may be a major loss later on, but of course it is never too late.
Have an interest in reading, learning and taking courses related to your field. Science and technology are moving very fast and we have to keep up with them. Remember, there’s no limit for growth, so go for it.
In doing business, be fair, courteous, honest, professional and caring. Good service and relationship will bring you more business in the future. The satisfaction of your clients should be your top priority.
Always be mindful of your values and principles.
Work hard, enjoy what you do and be proud of it, stay positive,and be happy!
Contact Info:
- Address: Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards Dr.Studio #303Houston, TX 77007
- Website: www.FaribaAbedin.com
- Phone: 713-417-7777
- Email: info@FaribaAbedin.com
- Instagram: @AbedinFineArt
- Facebook: FaribaAbedinArt
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
