Drawing words and experimenting with handwriting was one of the great highlights of my childhood, and continues to be my favorite pastime. The foundation and concept of my work today is rooted in those playful moments when I studied painting and calligraphy concurrently. In an attempt to be rebellious, I’d mix the paint from one piece with the words of another. My first memory of bringing the two artistic forms together was in my father’s studio at the age of eight, It was also the moment I realized there were no rules or limitations in my ability to create an abstract medium that would become my world. My current body of work doesn’t abide by Farsi or Arabic calligraphic standards or philosophy. Letters are morphed into free form dancing visual figures. These shapes eventually create a multilayered space that seeks light. Some dance towards abstraction and others seek structure. It’s as if I’ve created a new musical beat. Bringing gold, silver and metallic glazes together enables me to expose my audience to a diverse spectrum of light and colors that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Before I start any piece, I run my fingers on the canvas in an attempt to make a connection with my backdrop. Think of it as tender foreplay or a handshake with my opponent before we start a duel, I then lead a dance where we take a couple steps forward and another few backwards until we hit the right notes together. Babak Rashvand, 2022