"DERVISH
by Yari" "DERVISH
by Yari"“CLAY, LIFE, and PEOPLE”
We as people share the same planet “EARTH”, and enjoy the beauty and immensity of its sky and its nature. We all look at the same sky at night, and are fascinated by the beauty of its stars and the moon. During the day, we all look at the same “SUN”, and benefit from its rays. Nature has its own beauty; all over the world, people enjoy the aroma of various flowers, trees, and the wonderful crops that it produces. Poets, writers, and musicians all around the world have written and write about the beauty of it, literally, poetically, metaphorically, and spiritually.
Children and grown-ups alike are fascinated by rocks, all over the world. Perhaps this fascination is an indication that we as people are connected not only physically but also spiritually. It is the very essence of life which is embedded in earth/clay.
Clay and people share certain physical properties such as:
Elements
Clay
People
Water/H20
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Sodium
Zinc
Iron
Copper
The scriptures and other literature of the world are filled with metaphorical references to Clay.
“We live on earth yet so ignorant
of earth and all the treasures it holds”
-Rumi (the mystic Persian poet)
The spiritual connection takes place when one experiences the earth and CLAY. It teaches a person to appreciate LIFE more fully, and respect the environment. This respect leads to respect for self and ultimately for other’s. It bears true self-esteem, and enables the individual to create a more harmonious and unified world.
When one works with clay, s/he learns a lot about LIFE.
S/he learns quickly that s/he has to develop a mutual, respectful, and
loving relationship with IT. It is like a true friendship, it takes lots
of effort to get it to grow to a lasting and cherishable relationship/friendship.
Person to Person
CLAY
LIFE
Respect
Love
Friendship
Sincerity
Sensitivity
Harmony
Leaving room for growth
Aging
One learns that s/he has some control over CLAY/LIFE, but not total control. Other elements play big roles in the outcome as well. There is a sense of MYSTERY about IT; A DIVINE ORDER.
The more you work with the CLAY, the more it teaches you. It teaches you the same principles and philosophies that LIFE teaches you. By the time you may think you have IT all figured out, when your self-esteem and confidence appears to be it its highest, it shows you differently. It teaches you yet another LESSON. It teaches you humility. LIFE, and living with clay as you work with it, are both full of humbling experiences for the individual.
CLAY teaches you self-respect, but more so it teaches you the importance of showing forth respect for the other side’s properties. You have to live and work with CLAY in the spirit of love, harmony, sincerity, and integrity, in order to succeed. It is a two-way relationship. In order for the relationship to flow, you have to become sensitive to the clay and understand its responses in order to respond appropriately and accordingly. Just like LIFE, CLAY is UNPREDICTABLE. It likes to be touched, held and cuddled; firmly yet gently. CLAY like LIFE is not a push-over.
As the mystic Persian poet Rumi wrote:
“Earth, Water, Air, and Fire are
obedient creatures, they are dead to you
and me, but alive at God’s presence”
Many factors and elements such as clay, water, air, fire have some impact on the finished work of a clay artist.
Clay’s unpredictability is like LIFE itself. At times working with CLAY becomes so confusing and tough that one feels like leaving it all together; but one cannot forget that it is this very essence of unpredictability that is responsible for its excitement. This excitement is intriguing and fascinating, and encourages one to stay with it, the same is true with LIFE.
For some, it (clay/life) is a LOVE/HATE relationship, but for me it is exciting enough to continue with it until the end! If life holds so many surprises, so does CLAY.
Another aspect in the whole thing is AGE. With age comes MATURITY, and with maturity comes COMPLEXITY. As the CLAY ages it becomes more understanding and workable; so does a PERSON.
“Seek not water, seek thirst,’
till you overflow as a fountain of quest”
-Rumi (the mystic Persian poet)
“Like clay you’re shaped by the potter’s skill,
Your jug with wine you better try to fill.”
-Hafez (the mystic Persian poet)
Bahereh Khodadoost
May 1997 PA
Copyright 1997
_________________________________________
People, especially children, are fascinated by BALLS all over the world. Perhaps this is an indication of our connection to the earth, and the whole universe. It is an indication of our physical, psychological, and spiritual connection to the world, and to our planet Earth. This is not just a passive interest, but something more innate. The globe, the circle, is a representation of timelessness, and eternity, and it has a very intimate quality.
In my opinion, the National Anthems and Pledge of Allegiances are not to build egoistic patriotic attitudes, rather they are about one’s love for his/her country and for what that land stands for. This is what should be just as true for the whole world. It is about goodness and virtues, that are universal, and once one grasps the inner meaning of them, s/he becomes proud of taking part in bringing some harmony, peace and relief to the world at large.
“The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”
-From the Baha’i Writings
Children and grown-ups alike are also fascinated by rocks, everywhere. Perhaps this is a proof that we as people are connected not only physically but also spiritually. It is the very essence of life which is embedded in earth/clay. There exist many physical, and eternal similarities between rocks and people. The earth in general has many layers as it is in people’s skin. The crops produced by this earth has similar characteristics as well. Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, watermelons, pumpkin, cucumbers, and artichokes are just a few examples for this analogy. Let us not forget that every one of these examples have heart and seed, as we do as people. The heart of the whole creation is nothing but LOVE. When one studies the three major categories of rocks, one cannot help but think of their similarities in comparison with people. These three categories are as follows:
- Sedimentary Rocks: Some of these rocks contain clay. They have been moved from their bed, have traveled through many passages until they have reached their destinations. The longer their journey, and the older they are, the better they have become; just like Wise, Mature, Old People in any given community, who form the thoughts of the society, like the hands of the potter who is responsible for shaping this rich, moist, aged, sedimentary clay.
- Metamorphic Rocks: These rocks have been cooled, reheated, and cooled again. Some have even been crushed. Such rocks remind one,of people with such qualities, the kind who survive against all the hardships in life
- Igneous Rocks: These rocks are the product of much turbulence, and suggest endurance. They are rough and at times extremely refined and clear. They are as if they were baptized by the fire, like certain kind of people that the more rocky, and fiery the path might become, the more polished they would become. The ones who were baptized by the fire and gained strength. The ones who have experienced long, enriched lives, and gained deeper understanding of it all. They are fiery and energetic, mature but not mellow.
Every time one looks at a rock, s/he can draw a comparison between that particular rock and humans. We as people individually and collectively have as many dimensions as rocks do. Here are only a few examples:
- Sandstone, slate, and shale are the personification of people who have many layers, and each layer contains a vast knowledge of the whole universe.
- Diamonds are considered the hardest things on earth. They are so hard they can only be cut by another diamond. We as people can learn to become like diamonds. To become strong yet refined, polished, and so crystal clear that light can shine through us. This is what one should strive for, to have a character like a Diamond.
- Geodes are wonderful since they show the extremes combined. When one studies these wonderful phenomena, s/he feels in awe. Upon reflecting on the two visual and tactile qualities of geodes, one may realize that people are not one dimensional as well, and perhaps we should learn to admire different qualities in ourselves and also in other people. We need to think twice before judging another person. If a person looks dull, rough, and not too exciting when you look at them, don’t judge them too quickly. Give yourself enough time to get to know them. By doing so, you may surprise yourself to find that perhaps they are more colorful than you may have originally thought, perhaps there is a jewel inside of them. A jewel that can make a difference in your life, if you let it shed some light in your life. Think of a Kiwi fruit, how different its inside and its outside are from each other, such a contrast that if one has not seen the inside yet, they may not consider opening it! I was once one of these people, I have had Kiwi fruit at restaurants, but I did not know how it looked on the outside! When finally I found out that the same tasty, delicious, delicate, gorgeous looking fruit is the one with rough, dull outer skin, I was very surprised, and dumb founded. It was then that I admitted to my ignorance and I became the regular buyer of this wonderful fruit in the market. It was kind of a reverse prejudice that needed to be reversed twice!!! But I am glad that finally I learned my lesson! Now I enjoy touching the skin (the outer part of the fruit), and enjoy looking, and eating this beautiful tasty fruit.
- Lava rocks are wonderful, they have a rough texture, yet they are very interesting to the eyes and to the touch. They are like those kind of people who come across rough, but once one gets to know them, s/he can appreciates their interesting qualities. They are also like sponges, they absorb more!
- I love the magnetic rocks! One should remind himself/herself that if a rock can have magnetic qualities, so should we as people. Every one of us can think of a person with a magnetic personality. These types of people never get boring, they stay interesting and charming, and attract people in a fascinating way.
- I have been amazed by the hard looking rocks with bending qualities. One should ponder upon this unique quality, that in life, one can bend at times, but s/he does not have to break! This is the sign of true strength. One can stay as strong as ever! Most of us have known people with such a wonderful quality. The type of people who have learned to make compromises in life, and be considerate of others’ feelings, but not to the extent of compromising their basic values, and their basic belief. These types of people are the ones who are strong like bamboo, they may bend every direction, but do not break. These are the true Peace Makers in life. The world needs them very much.
Physical roughness is not necessarily a bad thing. It depends where it had come from and how one puts it to use. How often have you seen an artist, a painter, a sculpture, ... using an aged, hard working, ordinary model as opposed to a young, beautiful, soft skin one? This perhaps is because these artists have enabled themselves to see a different kind of beauty in an aged, ... model. This outer roughness may be a sign of physical endurance, hardship, which in return, refines the soul and spirit of a person. A person with great insight can see this in an antique carpet, in an aged wood, and in anything old that has endured changes in life, and has managed to survive. This is something that can adorn a person or an object with an inner beauty that only can be experienced and seen with inner eyes. This is true when it comes to an aged clay, the older it gets, the richer it becomes, and the more it has to offer. This claim is just as true with people.
Have you heard the expression: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” One can extend this remark to everything else in life. Perhaps one should not judge a rock by its appearance, or judge a fruit by its appearance, and more so, do not judge a person by his/her appearance. The properties of a book, of a rock, of a fruit, of a person can not be understood easily. It requires patient, understanding, sensitivity, and handling with care. One should take the time to become acquainted with the object, or a person.
Being stubborn is not
necessarily a negative thing. It is how one uses it that gives it a bad
or good meaning. I, for instance have been labeled as being stubborn many,
many times. I am the first one to admit that this reputation has some elements
of truth in it, but it is the very essence of this stubbornness that has
helped me to search for answers for many questions in life, until I have
found my very own answers.
This list can go on and on and on, but suffice to say that our pursuit in life can not be limited. It should become like an empty river bed that is waiting to be filled by what gives meaning to life.
There is no distinction between all the disciplines in life. Once the artificial boundaries are broken, life would become more enjoyable. When one gains more understanding, one will enjoy life more fully, and will become more loving, caring, and compassionate.
Bahereh
Oct. 1997 PA.
Copyright 1997
_________________________________________
CLAY has a timeless quality. Working with CLAY spiritualizes that quality within a person, and as a result of this experience, the finished product becomes the messenger of an eternal message, SACRED as time immemorial. Once this process takes place, and this wonderful quality translates itself in the work, it gives SOUL to the finished work, yet every one of these clay pieces seems to possess its own SOUL. This can be experienced in many different ways; although I have experienced it more fully in the MAKING of the coil-pots.
This is an experience hard to describe, one must experience it for himself/herself in order to fully understand it.
I made my first coil-pot in 1985. I experienced something extremely timeless and eternal. It took me back to the time of antiquity, to the ancient worlds. It took me and still takes me back to the living basements of Persia, to be more precise to my dear grandparents’ home, to their basement and their storage room where they kept their grains and other supplies. It brought back many memories from the past, even the fresh, wonderful smell of the Earth imbedded in the walls and the floors of those basements, storage rooms, and under-ground water sources (springs) where people used to fill up their water jugs. From the time I made my first coil-pot, I had the utmost desire to share this atmosphere of tranquillity, and serenity with other people (The closest thing to it, is what one experiences inside a cave). I wanted desperately to bring this feeling which I experience inside my pots, particularly inside my coil-pots OUT.
My dream in the Fall of 1988, was a fulfillment of this desire. I dreamt that I had a coil-pot in the kiln. When it came out of the kiln, I was quite pleased with the look of it, and the surface treatment, and above all I noticed an opening in the belly of the pot, resembling the opening (the entrance) of a cave. It looked quite appropriate, and it was wonderful that one could see and perhaps experience the inside of the pot. Later, I thought quite often of making a coil-pot similar to the one I had in my dream, but the right time did not come until early this year (1997). My first coil-pot with such an opening is called: Hallelujah, the one that followed Hallelujah is called: ORENDA, The Life Force, and the one after that was named “LOVERS NOTE”. Every one of them has an opening in the belly part appropriate to their shape, and their personality. My favorite is ORENDA, since it appears to possess the most soul, so far. LOVERS NOTE with small blue light inside expresses the inner meaning of this poem by Hafez, Persian mystic poet:
“ A lovely tune played the musician of love,
The tunes played, came from Heaven above.”
HALLELUJAH is adorned with both light and sound inside. “ORENDA, the Life Force” is following the same path, only the sound being played inside of her, is a wonderful tune composed and played on the keyboard by my dear daughter Sienna Mae. She was the one who came up with the name ORENDA which means the Life Force in Native American tongue, and shortly after that, she composed and played her tune for it. She called it: My Fantasy Land!
Finally, I feel like that this desire of sharing and inviting others to experience what I experience while making a coil-pot, is achieved, if not completely, but at least partially.
Here I am sharing my latest day dream with the reader(s)
of this article. This dream is only two weeks old. Two Sundays ago, I was
sitting in my living room staring at a few of my coil-pots. Suddenly,
it came to my mind that I would like to make a much larger version of my
coil-pots. This way my pots can have an idea of their bigger picture! I
shared my thought with my husband who speaks my artistic language as well.
The time had come for me to make a bigger version of ORENDA, at least large
enough to invite a person to go inside my abode. I am or better to say
we are quite exited over the prospect of making this dream a reality.
Sept 19, 1997
PA.
* My husband just came home and shared this idea with
me. He said that when my first abode is built, and the first firing is
taking place, it is like a mother giving birth to a baby or to multiple
babies. Only in this case the babies are going to be the small pots, being
fired and coming out of the belly of the Big Pot, being used as a kiln.
I said to him, what a wonderful idea! this way my pots, one by one can
have a chance to meet their mother. Only this is the first time in
the known history that a baby was born before the mother!
P.S. I hear from many people and even most Clay Artists, that the Raku experience is such a wonderful experience since it is quick and gives one instant gratification.
For me it is and has always been very different. I experience something SACRED, extremely timeless and lasting in the whole process, and that is what attracted me to “Raku Firing” in the first place and from the very beginning.
Written by Bahereh on July 10,1997
copyright 1997
_________________________________________
‘MANIFESTO/NUMBERS, LETTERS, AND WORDS DERIVATIVES”
Bahereh Khodadoost-Heath
ART HISTORY AND APPRECIATION
April 22, 1992
MANIFESTO
There is a cycle in the universe, a sense of harmony in nature, and different beings, under various circumstances, respond accordingly to their environment. Everything in the universe is interconnected and interrelated, like a woven carpet. Science has proven that there is even a kind of order in chaos. A major part of my conviction in life is to work towards this harmony, to reflect this wonderful relationship between different things in life, whether tangible or intangible, abstract or realistic. Of course, this observation only reinforces my belief in the unification of humankind. My goal is to identify as many relationships as possible, based on this ideology, and hopefully convey this realization to others as well. My hope is that by sharing my experiences with others, it may make life more enjoyable and meaningful for them as it has become for me.
Recently, I have become more and more involved in creating various designs. These designs, along with my interest in teaching my daughter about Persian language and culture (which is part of her heritage), have led me to a new avenue of exploration. Once I realized that each letter or number is a form on its own, I started seeing form and form relationships in almost anything visible to my eyes or to my mind. This, for me, was a new way of looking at letters, words, and numbers. Things started taking off into new dimensions, and the most complex compositions started forming in my mind’s eye. After all, the MIND is a wonderful phenomenon, and it is up to us to put it in use. Once one gets this task underway, it can surprise us all, individually and collectively as well.
Using letters and numbers in a composition, one can come up with the most complex designs. I, personally find it fascinating to create complex designs by the mere use of such simple elements as numbers or letters. Of course, this idea can be expanded to a variety of subjects. Therefore, one can experience first hand the relationships that exist in life. If one contemplates and ponders on this very simple idea, he or she may see for themselves that in the world everything relates to each other. This is true with humanity as well, which reminds me of a statement in the Baha’i Faith: “The diversity of the human family should be the cause of love and harmony as it is in music where the blending of many notes makes a perfect chord.”
NUMBERS, LETTERS, AND WORDS DERIVATIVES
In reality, the ARTS & SCIENCES are one. We must first understand this concept intellectually, and then have hands on, individual experience in order for the idea to become internalized through emotions and the other senses as well. Everything in NATURE is in harmony and connects. In the educational system, it is our responsibility to integrate the presently segregated subjects. The relationship is already there. It is up to us to recognize this relationship between different subjects and teach the concept to our students. For instance, take the idea of knitting a sweater, compare it to the making of a coil-pot, or even to the making of a financial report. I, honestly do not see much of a difference, it is all the same. The basic principle applies to everything we do in life. We start with almost nothing and build on it. It is similar to the way a tree grows, inch by inch, and branch by branch; slowly, but surely, until it reaches to its very peak, its fullest potential. You, as the maker of any object, like a gardener who works on a landscape, are just as responsible for the process as you are for the end-result. If the work is produced with love and integrity, the final work would be a reflection of those virtues, otherwise it would be a haphazardous and lifeless piece of work. For example, if one chooses to use the numbers or letters as the core or basis for his/her design, s/he should be aware of the importance of good penmanship. It is the main factor in creating this kind of abstract design, and it will definitely influence the outcome (finished work). If one desires to create refined work, s/he needs to work on the refinement and integrity of the line created by him/her. Finally, the elements used in the design can be preserved fresh and definable, or being dissolved (integrated) as part of an abstract format, depending on what kind of an approach one may choose. These intricate designs, geometric in nature, can be transformed into the creation of various objects such as: stained glass, wood carvings, furniture, doors, and windows, flower gardens, landscapes of any kinds, and anything that one’s imagination would permit. I would suggest that if this method of teaching is desired to be used, different steps of the work in process be shown. In this regard, the work can be photographed in different stages of progress, or even videotaping the work as it progresses.
By adopting this approach and this method of teaching, hopefully our dear children, in whose hands are held the future of this planet, may become more aware of the fact that there is no absolute distinction between the different subjects being taught in schools. This type of teaching is like a journey to freedom, a journey which frees a person from all the man-made limitations and boundaries, and opens a new door to the educators and students alike.
We, as educators, can help our students to get this very basic idea. One way to accomplish this task might be to have more and more combined classes. For instance, by using this teaching technique, Math class may not be as boring as some people perceive it. And yes! A creative person can make numbers work for him/her as well. After all, Math is the basis for most everything in life. You must have a sense of measurement and proportion in order to make a musical instrument or compose any music at all. Without mathematics, music could not exist. In regard to the same principle, in order to be a good cook, a good hairstylist, a good athlete, or to do well in anything; you must have a sense of balance and harmony. After all, dancing is all about form and form relationship.
These designs I am presenting with this paper, are only a few examples to show how easily this method of teaching can work. Depending on their grade level, students can be taught numbers, basic math, alphabets, words, and language. They should be encouraged to see form and form relationships in numbers and letters. They could be encouraged to create collages of their designs which would help them to see more complex designs being derived from simple forms. Long term, it can help their eyes to be trained, their sensitivity and their sense of perception increased. It will help them to see form and form relationships in their lives. They can experiment with any forms they may choose, depending on their interests. For instance, a child or adult interested in music can be encouraged to work with musical notes, as units or motifs, to create a composition.
The challenge is there and is wide open, and the opportunities are endless. Everybody, can contribute their share to the betterment of himself/herself, and, hence, make a difference in the world. It will help them to realize that LIFE in general, is all about creativity with its many dimensions. It is up to us as individuals to create our own environment, and it is in our hands to make changes as we go along in life. Ultimately, it will help students to enjoy life more fully, and will give them a greater sense of appreciation in life and everything therein. Once they start creating a variety of designs, at least two purposes will be accomplished. They will have learned about the elements they used in their designs, and the act of accomplishment, by itself, will enhance their sense of pride and self-esteem. They can be encouraged to stretch their imaginations, maybe by painting their sketches. Students can also translate their preliminary work into three-dimensional sculptures. If one’s work happens to be appropriate for a theater stage set, the art teacher, the drama, and the history teachers can get together and pull the students of various classes together, encouraging a joint project. This pool of students can make their own set and costumes for the acting class. The dramatic script subject can be from their history studies. It is not as critical where it gets started. It can start from geography class, and then spread to other classes, being constantly improvised. It is like reaching out and tying or pulling things together. Also the same designs can be translated into landscaping and buildings, and a long term project can be evolved from that. Even an architecture student may benefit from this approach. Even for a grade school student, it can become a very practical and exciting project.
The next step would be, for the students to start building their own models, if they wish, they can build a model of their dream house. Every accomplished work does start with an idea conceived somewhere, by somebody. Once the idea is conceived, each and everyone needs to be helped until they exhaust all the possibilities, and make sure that their conception had been stretched to its fullest point of maturation. It would not be too far from reality, even for the smallest child, to start working on her/his own future house. It also teaches them to set long-term and short-term goals, and work towards those goals. The whole process will help a person to learn about problem solving, which is a must in life.
It is wonderful to
know that these kinds of achievements are not too far fetched. They are
very possible. Students are taught many different lessons in one project,
and the result can be very rewarding for the students and the teachers
alike.
CONCLUSION
This paper presents only an idea, a different way of looking on life, an approach which can be adopted and adapted by any individual for the good of the society. It can make a difference in our lives if we perceive life differently. It can be applied to the lives of our children with care, from the time they are infants, all the way through their college years and adulthood.
My aim, and my hope, for this brief presentation is to make a difference in the world, no matter how small of the contribution this may represent. My fondest prayers are targeted to the educators of the world, wishing them the best of luck in their endeavor. To bear in mind that teaching is a God-given gift worthy of everlasting blessing.
EXAMPLES OF RELATED WORK
The sketches, paintings, computer print-outs, and clay works being shown in conjunction with this paper are as follows:
Clay works:
#1- Derivative NOEL / Raku Platter
(The design is based on the word NOEL. The word NOEL is the core and the focal point in this work. It also consists of the same letters; L,L,E,O, and N, being used as design elements radiating from the focal point.)
#2- Derivative Persian TAPESH / ‘Heartbeat’/Cone 6 firing-Platter
(The design is based on the word TAPESH. The word Tapesh is the core and the focal point in this work. It also consists of the same letters: T,P, and Sh, being used as design elements radiating from the focal point.)
ADDITIONAL WORKS (2-D on paper):
#3- NOEL Design / Hand colored
(The design is based on the word NOEL. The word NOEL is the core and the focal point in this work. It also consists of the four letters: L,E,O, and N,used as design elements radiating from the focal point.)
#4- Same as Design #3 / Laser print
#5- ‘World Peace’ Design / Calligraphy in Persian & English /Laser print
(The core of the design is the word SOLH in Persian, which means Peace. It is decorated with the repetition of two smaller calligraphies which read JAHANI. Together, it means “World Peace”. English “World Peace” is done in calligraphy as well, repeated three times in English, surrounding the Persian one.)
#6- Derivative Persian CHAHAR / ‘Four & 4’ / Hand colored Laser print
(The core of the design is the word CHAHAR (four) in Persian. It serves as the focal point and five Chahars as numbers (4= ) are used as design elements radiating from the focal point. The overwriting serves two purposes; adding visual texture, while being self-explanatory for teaching purposes. If one pays closer attention to the work, s/he can figure out from these accent writings, what the work is all about.)
#7- Derivative ‘Four
& 4’ / Hand colored in black and white
(The core of the design is the word FOUR. It serves as the focal point
and five “4’s” as numbers are used as design elements radiating from the
focal point. The work is finished in black and white, attempting to create
a dramatic and illusionistic effect in a very abstract format.)
#8- Derivative Persian HAFT / ‘Seven’ / Laser print/ Offset
(The core of the design is the word HAFT (Seven) in Persian. It serves as the focal point and three HAFT (Sevens) are used as design elements radiating from the focal point. This repetition of the motif attempts to establish a visual rhythm.)
#9, #10, #11- Design #8 treated differently, colored in black and white, acrylic, and in colored pencil. This was an attempt to show that different effects can be achieved from the same basic design.)
#12- Derivative Persian HAFT/ ‘Seven & 7’ / Hand colored Laser print
(The core of the design is the word HAFT (Seven) in Persian. It serves as the focal point, and five HAFT (Sevens) as numbers (7= ) are used as design elements radiating from the focal point, forming a shell-like effect. The numbers, depending from what angle, can read 7 or 8 in Persian, since one is the reverse of the other.)
#13- Derivative Persian ‘SEEN & SHEEN’ / ‘S & Sh’ / Laser print/ Offset
(The core of the design is the letter SHEEN (Sh) in Persian. It serves as the focal point and six SEEN (S’s) are used as design elements radiating from the focal point.)
#14- Derivative Persian ‘SEH’ / ‘Three’ / Hand colored
(The core of the design is the word ‘SEH’ (Three) in Persian. It serves as the focal point, and five ‘Seh’ (Three’s) are used as design elements radiating from the focal point. The overwritings serve two purposes; adding visual texture, but if looked at closely, can tell the viewer what the work is all about.)
#15- Derivative Persian ‘PANJ’ / ‘Five’ / Hand colored
(The core of the design is the word ‘PANJ’ (Five) in Persian. It serves as the focal point and five ‘PANJ’ (Fives) are used as design elements radiating from the focal point. The finished design is well unified since only one basic motif is being used, and the repetition appears to make it well proportioned, harmonious, and well integrated. The similar imagery and effect can be seen in #1, #3, #4, #5, #8, #9, #10, #11, #18, and is visualized to some degrees in #13, since only the three dots on the letter ‘Sh’ in Persian distinguishes it from the letter ‘S’ in Persian.
#16- Derivative Persian ‘ALEF’ / ‘A’s’/ Hand colored
(The core of the design is the word ‘ALEF’ in Persian. It serves as the focal point and seven Persian “A’s” are used as design elements radiating from the focal point. The overwriting serves two purposes; adding visual texture as well as being self-explanatory on the nature of the design.)
#17- Derivative Persian
‘LAM & MEEM’ / ‘L&M’
(The sketch consists of a Persian ‘L’ as the core of the design. Five Persian
“M’s” are radiating from the focal point.)
#18- Derivative Persian ‘YEK’ / ‘One’
(The sketch consist of six Persian “One’s” making an unified and well-blended design.)
* These pieces are
decorative, but also meant to be used for teaching. In other words, they
are, art, for the sake of education.
Bahereh
April, 1992 Ginger
Blue, MO.
Copyright 1992
_________________________________________
BEING AN ARTIST IS JUST
AN ATTITUDE,
SO, BE AN ARTIST: HAVE AN ATTITUDE!
Bahereh
Nov. 1998 PA
Don’t forget that that there is an artist in the EARTH (eARTh), and there is an artist in every HEART (heART)!
All one needs is, believing in herself/ himself, or having a strong belief, and pursue it in a creative fashion.
“ WHO IS AN ARTIST?! “
The answer to this question is as easy as it is
complex. Every body has to find his/her answers to it.
In my view being an artist is not necessarily about
what one does in life (for a living or as a hobby), rather it is about
one’s attitude & outlook on life. It is about how s/he perceives life, and
how s/he approaches something, and how s/he goes about it.
I regard many people as artists just because of their
attitude towards something that they do. It is about how one plants a seed, and
how one cultivates it. It is about how one shares what s/he has cultivated with
others. It is about a creative attitude. One can be just as creative in cooking,
gardening, writing, sculpting, etc...as one is in painting. And in life we are
all creators, because we all create our environment, individually and
collectively as well. The challenge is in harmonizing our efforts in order to
have a more harmonious, and pleasing world.
Bahereh
March 1998 PA
Copyright 1998
P.S.
I believe one way to sustain in life and to be able to maintain a
positive outlook on life is to find something in life that one has PASSION for,
either in art or otherwise. Something that can nourish one deep inside. A
creative world aside from the outside world which is tranquil, private, and
personal, a solitude, a sanctuary.
BEING
AN ARTIST IS JUST AN ATTITUDE, SO, BE AN ARTIST: HAVE AN
ATTITUDE!
Bahereh Nov. 1998 PA
_________________________________________
“Who Am I? Who Are You? Who is a CraftsMAN?”
How can women artists be referred to as CraftsMEN? The word could be changed to CraftsWOMEN when addressing women, and to CraftsPEOPLE or CraftsPERSONS when addressing a group of women and men.
Bahereh Khodadoost
1997 PA
Copyright 1997
_________________________________________
Persian music, architecture, dance, calligraphy,
poetry, and all the other aspects of Persian culture are all flowing and
beautiful. Its flow can be sensed by all the senses, or at times by a single
sense. Regardless of the flow being sensed visually, or otherwise, nevertheless
it does exist, and deeply experienced. Many of these art forms have their arch-shaped
structures.
In life and everything in it, I have always looked
& searched for THAT gentle start, which can be sensed like a gentle breeze.
Then, gradually building up, and creating more energy, until it reaches its
peak. Finally, slowly coming down to an end, in a fading manner. The format is
simply an ARCH: It is a combination of strength & softness that is
responsible for its beauty. The essence of the ARCH carries a sacred &
eternal message, and transforms one from within.
The wonderful buildings of the mosques are a
testimony to the beauty and strength of the arch shape. Buildings like Taj Mahal
are like visual melodic or rhythmic music to one’s eyes, and what is
responsible for it, is the repetition and the improvisation of a simple, yet
complex form called: ARCH
“An Arch is like a prayer. Its strength is in its
unity, its beauty in its repetition”
-From ELEMENTS, Nader Khalili, a famous Persian architect
It is this arch shape manifested in different facets
of life that is more in-line with my inner being, and my psychic. It truly
soothes my whole being. It is like a circle, it is never-ending (eternal).
I have realized that every time in life, I lose the
flow of energy, in its natural form, it effects my psychic. It disturbs me
emotionally, as if everything needs and should take its course until it comes to
an end! I do not enjoy sudden endings, neither do I enjoy things that start
suddenly. I get the most enjoyment from the soft, yet energetic start on
everything in life, and I get the utmost enjoyment when it builds up gradually,
yet in a flowing & systematic manner. Then, I appreciate it coming to its
end (destination), still in a melodic, rhythmic manner.
Like nature and everything in it, they all have a
life cycle, and every aspect of it has to take its course. I get the utmost
enjoyment from watching the seasons changing. It is like classical music, when
one phrase comes to an end, the other one starts, and it continues until the
end, yet it never truly ends. It continues forever, and in a sense it
reincarnates! In music, dance, etc... the key to the success is managing a
smooth transition from one phrase to the next one. Otherwise the composition
feels disjointed, and not so pleasing to one’s senses. Once the change is
there, it is not nearly as exciting as when the change is taking place. The
beauty of the Fall approaching and one’s observing the leaves changing colors
day after day, is truly indescribable. It is like a painter’s work on a large
canvas, it is like a work in progress, constantly changing, and constantly
improving. Summer night and sky gazing, Winter season which brings the magical
snow, and the Spring season, they all have their special effect on me. The
emergence of flowers and the sounds of the birds in the Spring are truly breath
taking, and connect us all to our very source (roots), to the nature which we
are all connected to. This is the true meaning of life. If one doesn’t lose
sight of this, s/he may become aware of this fact that we
as human beings are all exposed to the same nature all over the world. It is the
nature and the environment that is responsible for all the wonderful poetry and
literature, music and all the other forms of art in the world. It is and has
always been the source of inspiration for people, and it will always be.
I am grateful for being blessed with this inner
insight, which has enabled me to enjoy the true meaning of life. I am glad that
I had a chance to share my thoughts with the reader of this article.
Bahereh
March
27, 1998
PA
_________________________________________
BRAIDED CLAY PIECES:
If my BRAIDED CLAY PIECES & basket forms are considered PIECES OF ART, then what about all of those fancy hairdos I have sculpted and continue sculpting in my life?! And what about all the fancy BREAD & BRAIDED COFFEE CAKES I have made and I continue making?!
Every time I look at my braided clay pieces, they take me all the way back to my very childhood, to my long blondish hair that my dear mother, my dear paternal grandmother, and my dear older sister, Tahereh, used to care for, and braid it in so many different styles. Later on, I learned to fix, and braid my own hair in various styles. Later in life, I even became a hairstylist, and cared for many other peoples’ hair, and fixed hair in many fancy styles.
Now, I fix my own daughter’s hair (Sienna Mae) in many different styles, hoping to pass on to her the LOVE of the ones in my family who cared for me. In this way their LOVE may continue flowing from one generation to the next, and the world may become a better place!
I even BRAID my BREADS!
I even BRAID my RIBBONS for jewelry!
I just LOVE to BRAID!
Bahereh
Copyright Nov. 1998 PA
PINCHED CLAY PIECES/ SHAKERS :
If my CLAY PIECES ADORNED WITH RHYTHMIC SMALL PINCHES are considered WORKS OF ART, then what about all of those tasty pastries my beloved mother & my dear maternal grandmother used to make exactly in the shapes of these clay pieces?! In fact, it was my beloved mother who taught me to shape the pastry with simple, flowing, rhythmic and uniform pinches around the pastry dough!
The pastries she made were called: Ghotaab, and Kolompeh.
Every time I look at THESE CLAY PIECES of mine, they remind me of my parents’ kitchen. I smell the aroma of those wonderful pastries, and I taste their mouth watering delicious flavours in my mouth! Then, I promise myself that as soon as I get a chance I go to my kitchen, and I make a batch of those pastries for my dear daughter, Sienna Mae, to pass on the tradition and the special Love that my mother brought to this world, to the Next Generation!
Bahereh
Copyright Nov. 1998 PA
DILL
Dill from my garden in Pen Argyl, Pa. 1998
The aroma, the heavenly smell, and the beauty of this herb ‘DILL’ takes me all the way back to my childhood, to my grandmother, and to my mother whom with the utmost love and care prepared those tasty Persian rice dishes for the family, esp. the one with this herb has always stayed as my favorite.
Bahereh
Copyright June 1998 PA
Lentil sprouts
Lentil sprouts remind me of all the wonderful Iranian (Persian) New Year’s I spent in my country, Iran.
It brings all the fine memories back to me. I smell the fresh air I have breathed there for so many years.
Bahereh
Copyright May 1998 PA
This LEAF
I see my veins & the Veins of Humanity in this leaf.
Its green color reminds me of all the beautiful gardens, all the woods all over the world, and the beauty of my daughter’s eyes.
This leaf is taken from my daughter’s apple tree.
Bahereh
copyright May 1998 PA
This Apple Blossom
This apple blossom represents all the beautiful blossoms in the world. It is taken from my daughter’s apple tree.
It reminds me of all the buds ready to bloom inside our characters.!
Bahereh
Copyright May 1998 PA
“MY IMAGINARY PLACE”
By: Bahereh Khodadoost
March 1998
- What I like the most in Life is the Flow.
- Name of My Place is: Fantasia “Rhythmic Flow”
*Fantasia: Meaning musical composition following no fixed form or style.
- The law of my Environment is based on the: “Flow of Respect &
Love”
- for one’s self.
- for others.
- for the environment.
This is my environment’s Motto, Anthem, and Pledge of Allegiance.
- Language: “Rhythmic Flow” has a language based on the Flow of Energy, called ‘Love’. Therefore, there is no need for verbal communication. The script is written in musical notes, language of Love (the language of the world’s poetry) with infinite flow of Melody & Rhythm. Once the script is written, it is played in the air, and the others will receive the message.
- Currency: There is no need for the exchange of money. In this place everybody works, and everybody shares.
- Stamp: There is no need for stamps. In my imaginary world, everybody communicates through Thought Wave Energy. Even the Electronics & Technology are set up that way.
- Flag: It has waves in the rainbow of colors, and is adorned with musical notes. Its shape is based on a design which is based on #9, #5 ’ ‘ in Persian, and ‘ ‘ heart shape. The shape of the Flag constantly changes like a flowing, moving painting.
- Shape: The shape of the country is again based on the shape #9, #5 ‘ ‘ in Persian, and ‘ ‘ heart shape. The shape is flowing, and constantly changing from one form to another. There are waves of sweet water (representing the positive thoughts) running through it, but they do not create any boundaries. This country has no borders.
My country does not have one shape, the shape constantly changes and evolves, like a moving painting.
The flag follows the shape of the country as well, it changes as the shape of the country changes. They are in perfect harmony, and they synchronize.
- The Inhabitants: The creatures in this country are all kinds, and anyone who has insight, and sensitivity is welcome to enter in. Meaning anyone who can feel, and understand the merit in the country’s Anthem, Motto, Pledge of Allegiance, is welcome here. Anyone with positive thoughts is welcome to come and go at any given time.
The creatures living in this atmosphere produce their own substance for surviving, yet they are diverse, and have different needs. They believe in recycling. What is a waste among one group, it is a need/must for another group. This is a never-ending cycle. The creatures are constantly moving from one shape to another as well. They are all blessed with the Art of Transformation in a continuous manner. Nobody stays the same at all times. They are like butterflies, changing from one form to another in a smooth transition, not so visible to one’s eyes.
The atmosphere is pleasant, serene, and tranquil. Disagreements are solved peacefully.
- Education: Everybody learns by the virtue of thinking, observing, questioning, and at the end finding their own answers.
In this environment everybody is a teacher at all times, and everybody is a student at all times. The education process starts at birth and goes on forever.
*******************
Additional Information:
- For those of you who are wondering about the Politics, or Religion of this environment, you can find it in its Motto/ Pledge of Allegiance/ and its Anthem.
- Have you figured out who are the Inhabitants of this environment?! - The answer is: The Inhabitants are from a diverse background, but they are allowed to bring their True Being, their Unique Individuality, The Essence of Life, The Essence of Existence, Their Mind & Soul to this Environment. This is a Place for Minds & Souls where one can share and enhance one’s Reality of Existence.
- Suddenly, I realized that this is not my Imaginary Space, I have been to this place many, many times. Yet, perhaps something, or somewhere that is so real, so familiar to one, can be imaginary for another one.
I am glad that I had a chance to share my world with you. Please you do the same.
********************
EXPLANATIONS ON THE USE OF #9, #5 ‘ ‘ IN PERSIAN, AND ‘ ‘ HEART:
I have based the shape of my country on #‘9’, #5 ‘ ‘ in Persian, and ‘ ‘ heart, because:
- The Number Nine is considered by those who are interested in numbers as a sign of perfection. Also it is considered by some people as sacred because it is symbolic of the Perfection.... Nine is the highest single digit, hence symbolizes comprehensiveness, culmination.
- The reason for combining it with ‘ ‘, ‘ ‘ is because I have always found myself being drawn to these shapes. My favorite number in Persian has always been number 5’ ‘. The reason for this fascination is simply based on the flow of the shape, which is rhythmic, flowing and uniform.
* This dance was very different from any dance that I have ever seen. I believe it is worth making it into a stage production!
- I do remember lots of Jewish Iranians who were in the fabric business.
- Here is an image from the fabric of my dream:
*******************
BEING
AN ARTIST IS JUST AN ATTITUDE, SO, BE AN ARTIST: HAVE AN
ATTITUDE!
“Artist and Nature”
Just like NATURE, if the ARTIST is not appreciated,
s/he will not prosper! Creatively, s/he will die, because s/he may not be able
to sustain being CREATIVE.
-
If you don’t sell the work in progress, the work can not progress.
- Bahereh April 30,
1998
-
The only person who can promote you, is U!
- Bahereh May 1998
-
If you want, you can use them, you don’t want to abuse them!
'May
you always believe in the Magic of Human Spirit'
- Bahereh
May 1998 PA
“FINDING YOUR OWN RHYTHM”
Your
Rhythm, like your voice, makes a difference in the RHYTHM of the world.
Bahereh 1997,PA.
“FINGERPRINTS
Of UNITY/ACIRCLEOFIMPRESSIONISTS”
The
formation of the World Community depends on INDIVIDUAL Impressions, the
uniqueness of every individual’s fingerprint!
“Bahereh the mystic?!J”
All my life I wished to be understood, and almost all
my life I have been misunderstood! This is true in any language that I can
possibly speak or write, this also includes my mother tongue, Persian! This has
been true for the most part when I speak, and when I write, and even when I stay
quiet!!! Perhaps language of mysticism, the only language that I know well, is a
language that is perceived even in its written form a language with a strong
accent and hard to understand! God,
please help me to find a common language which may enable me to communicate with
people!
In other words, most of the time I feel I am
persecuted for my open-mindedness, and of course the older I get, the more set I
become in my open-mindedness, if that makes any sense!
Bahereh Sept. 17th, 2002 Pen Argyl, PA
I would like
to use art to keep my SOUL ALIVE! To bring some understanding, beauty, and
harmony (and some harMONEY!) to the world. To reach a larger population of
people esp. CHILDREN; helping them to connect and stay in contact with their
inner being, and stay in contact with their best tools, their IMAGINATION! I
want them to know that they have the right in believing in themselves, and in
stretching their imaginations as far as they can, and being limited only by
their own imaginations and nothing else. They should be encouraged to DREAM, and
pursue their dreams, and make their dreams realities!
Bahereh
My Thoughts on Raku Firing
I hear from many people and even most Clay Artists,
that the Raku experience is such a wonderful experience since it is quick and
gives one instant gratification. For me it is and has always been very
different. I experience something SACRED, extremely timeless and lasting in the
whole process, and that is what attracted me to “Raku Firing” in the first
place and from the very beginning.
HEARTizen’s Abode!
EARN-IT/ ‘URN’ Homes
B. Sacred HOMES
By: Bahereh Khodadoost
Copyright 1999 PA
Rainbow to Rainbow
Life to Life
This
DWELLING
is made out of clay. It contains the Essence of All Things,
The
very Essence of ‘U’!
“Sacredness
is the reality in every human being.”
Last
night (Feb.25,1999), in our studio, I made a very small pinch pot, I closed it
all the way, then, I opened a small opening on the side, towards the top of the
pot, for a small CRYSTAL , to be used as a STOPPER. This morning I went to my
studio, I checked on this pot, and
I put the CRYSTAL in the hole part, and MY MIND SOARED, and it has not stopped,
YET! Bahereh is in the process of making her first house! This house will be
made out of clay, with a large arch-shape door, and a skylight. The dream is not
that new! She has talked about it for a long time. She has written about it for
a long time. Here, I bring an example of it, taken from one of my articles
called: “MY COIL-POTS/ MY ABODE”, written on Sept 19,1997 PA
:
“To
me, CLAY has a timeless quality. Working with CLAY spiritualizes that quality
within a person, and as the result carries a sacred and eternal message, SACRED
as time immemorial. Once this process takes place, and this wonderful quality
translates itself in the work, it gives SOUL to the finished work, yet every one
of these clay pieces seems to possess its own SOUL. This can be experienced in
many different ways; although I have experienced it more fully in the MAKING of
the coil-pots.
Here
I am sharing my latest day dream with the reader(s) of this article. This dream
is only two weeks old. Two Sundays ago, I was sitting in my living room staring
at a few of my coil-pots. Suddenly,
it came to my mind that I would like to make a much larger version of my
coil-pots. This way my pots can have an idea of their bigger picture! I shared
my thought with my husband who speaks my artistic language as well. The time had
come for me to make a bigger version of ORENDA, at least large enough to invite
a person to go inside my abode. I am or better to say we are quite exited over
the prospect of making this dream a reality.”
* ‘ORENDA,
The Life Force’, was made in the summer of 1997 by me, Bahereh! It is a Raku
Coil-pot, it has an opening in the belly part appropriate to its shape, and its
personality, and it has an opening on top. Its overall shape is tall and oval.
It is my favorite coil-pot, yet!
And She lives with me in my bed-room! There is a light inside of ORENDA that is
lit all the time, yet it is at night time that it has its most impact, visually
& Emotionally! It reflects light through its openings on the ceiling of our
bedroom, and delights my HEART! Among all my clay pots, ORENDA
appears to possess the most soul, so far.
Once again, I am quite exited over the prospect of making this dream a reality. What makes this house different from any other house, is the fact that the door, the door knob, and the skylight are CRYSTALS! The outside of the house, and the inside surfaces are all treated smoothly, or with textures taken from nature. Perhaps the house consists of more than one story, many compartments, and staircase to the HIGHER GROUND(S), but there is no closed off section(s). This is due to the fact that when the Sun Shines, and Its rays hits the CRYSTALS, a spectacular show of rainbows will appear on its walls, its floor, and its ceiling, and in this way nothing will be obscured from one’s eyes, and from one’s other senses, Including that significant inner sense, called INSIGHT! This way, the dweller, whoever may DWELL in this ABODE will frequently be reminded of LIFE ITSELF! Bahereh calls this home and other homes like it: ‘BEAUTY, PURITY, & FLIGHT! You can call yours anything your heart desires! If you, or anyone you may know is interested in living in such houses, may contact me at:
“ How
Do I Miss My ARCH! ”
Persian music, architecture, dance, calligraphy,
poetry, and all the other aspects of Persian culture are all flowing and
beautiful. Its flow can be sensed by all the senses, or at times by a single
sense. Regardless of the flow being sensed visually, or otherwise, nevertheless
it does exist, and deeply experienced. Many of these art forms have their arch-shaped
structures.
In life and everything in it, I have always looked
& searched for THAT gentle start, which can be sensed like a gentle breeze.
Then, gradually building up, and creating more energy, until it reaches its
peak. Finally, slowly coming down to an end, in a fading manner. The format is
simply an ARCH: It is a combination of strength & softness that is
responsible for its beauty. The essence of the ARCH carries a sacred &
eternal message, and transforms one from within.
The wonderful buildings of the mosques are a
testimony to the beauty and strength of the arch shape. Buildings like Taj Mahal
are like visual melodic or rhythmic music to one’s eyes, and what is
responsible for it, is the repetition and the improvisation of a simple, yet
complex form called: ARCH
“An Arch is like a prayer. Its strength is in its
unity, its beauty in its repetition”
-From ELEMENTS, Nader Khalili, a famous Persian architect
It is this arch shape manifested in different facets
of life that is more in-line with my inner being, and my psychic. It truly
soothes my whole being. It is like a circle, it is never-ending (eternal).
I have realized that every time in life, I lose the
flow of energy, in its natural form, it effects my psychic. It disturbs me
emotionally, as if everything needs and should take its course until it comes to
an end! I do not enjoy sudden endings, neither do I enjoy things that start
suddenly. I get the most enjoyment from the soft, yet energetic start on
everything in life, and I get the utmost enjoyment when it builds up gradually,
yet in a flowing & systematic manner. Then, I appreciate it coming to its
end (destination), still in a melodic, rhythmic manner.
Like nature and everything in it, they all have a
life cycle, and every aspect of it has to take its course. I get the utmost
enjoyment from watching the seasons changing. It is like classical music, when
one phrase comes to an end, the other one starts, and it continues until the
end, yet it never truly ends. It continues forever, and in a sense it
reincarnates! In music, dance, etc... the key to the success is managing a
smooth transition from one phrase to the next one. Otherwise the composition
feels disjointed, and not so pleasing to one’s senses. Once the change is
there, it is not nearly as exciting as when the change is taking place. The
beauty of the Fall approaching and one’s observing the leaves changing colors
day after day, is truly indescribable. It is like a painter’s work on a large
canvas, it is like a work in progress, constantly changing, and constantly
improving. Summer night and sky gazing, Winter season which brings the magical
snow, and the Spring season, they all have their special effect on me. The
emergence of flowers and the sounds of the birds in the Spring are truly breath
taking, and connect us all to our very source (roots), to the nature which we
are all connected to. This is the true meaning of life. If one doesn’t lose
sight of this, s/he may become aware of this fact that we
as human beings are all exposed to the same nature all over the world. It is the
nature and the environment that is responsible for all the wonderful poetry and
literature, music and all the other forms of art in the world. It is and has
always been the source of inspiration for people, and it will always be.
I am grateful for being blessed with this inner
insight, which has enabled me to enjoy the true meaning of life. I am glad that
I had a chance to share my thoughts with the reader of this article.
Bahereh
March
27, 1998
PA
‘Beautiful
Alphabet Town’ by Bahereh
Jan. 2002
Part of an ongoing series of interviews with notable
Iranians
I somehow met Bahereh Khodadoost through the Internet (what
else?) and found myself connected to her. Maybe it was because
she is a Libra and I am an Aquarius (high compatibility?), maybe it
was because I remember my ART 101 class in college when I
thought I would get my humanities requirements out of the way
only to find a weird and scary connection with clay and pottery
instead? However it happened it happened, and I feel compelled to
share her. I found her engaging, pure and true and I hope she takes