Meet Artist Maryam Sedadi
Maryam Sedadi was born and raised in Iran. In 1978, she visited the United States for the first time during a summer trip with her family to celebrate her high school graduation. The family had planned a two-month trip to celebrate her acceptance into three prominent universities in Iran as she took steps to become a physician.
While enjoying their trip to California, the Islamic revolution reached peak tension. In an effort to protect the family’s safety, her parents decided to stay in the United States. Leaving her childhood memories and future dreams behind, Maryam found solace in writing short poems or prose and creating pen and ink drawings, though a busy life in new unfamiliar territory made it hard to be creative constantly.
After graduating with a B.A. in Business Management from California State University, Long Beach, Maryam started her career in banking as a young single mother while caring for her family and raising her son. Fortunately, her creative spirit never stopped thriving; she became a self-taught collage artist. She founded Kimya Collection in 2014 — creating analog collages, as well as hand-cut and crafted greeting cards for all occasions. Inspired by elements of her Persian culture and heritage, Maryam draws inspiration from daily conversations, observations, lifelong memories, and journeys of her life.
She currently resides in Southern California and works as an artist and Director of Development at (OCIACC) Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce.
A statement from Maryam…
I create to express what I feel at that moment: joy, gratitude, sorrow and everything else in between. In the times when we are all challenged to fit into many versions of ourselves, I am reminded there is only one real and authentic me who is present. We are all born artists; we just need to get out of our own way to express our uniqueness.
Artist Interview – Maryam Sedadi
“Who is your favorite iconic artist?”
Ever since I learned about Frida Kahlo (and not by watching the movie!), I found a deeper connection to expressing myself through art. It’s not only because of the circumstances that shaped her into the iconic artist she became but her whole being as a woman, a revolutionary, a feminist, a lover and an artist. I admire her unapologetic way of living a life to its fullest and expressing her personal life through her paintings. In 2020, I was commissioned by a dear friend to do a collage incorporating Frida! It was such a joy.
“What is your latest project?”
I think creative process is very tricky and surprising or at least for me. As soon as I have “the picture” of my newest work all carved up in my head, a few different versions take over and try to find their way in! I am currently working on a couple of ideas to incorporate Persian architect and/or calligraphy with European masterpieces.
“Who is your biggest fan and supporter?”
My greatest fan has also been the greatest teacher of my life – my son, ever since he was little. He has been my biggest cheerleader to encourage me to follow my heart’s passion of creating artwork and being fearless in expressing myself.
Photo taken by Elham Sarvi.
“What are your three go-to materials for making art?”
My to go materials depend on the piece I am working on. When creating collages, I have papers, acrylic paints, various markers, pens and canvas! When creating greeting cards, I am surrounded by papers, natural materials, ribbons and more!
“What messages are you trying to convey in your work?”
My pieces are very personal to me. The idea is conceived by experiencing the emotions I feel at the time whether it’s joy or sadness. I choose the colors, patterns and papers based oh how I am feeling and hoping it conveys the emotions with my immense love and gratitude to my audience.
Photo taken by Elham Sarvi.
“How can we support you?”
You can best support me by following me on Instagram and sharing my work. I also create custom cards that will make anyone smile. Follow me and check out my work on Instagram and Facebook!
Instagram: kimyacollection | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimyacollection
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Shop Maryam’s Art.
Maryam has such a unique touch. Her cards and collage artwork are made with the finest care and thoughtfulness. Each time I collect Maryam’s work, I’m in awe!
So happy we got Maryam as our first supporting artist. She is so talented with a beautiful personality to match.