Samar’s World
Samar’s World
I was born in the lush, hot environment of
Basra, Iraq and lived in Baghdad as a child.
I danced among the babylonian ruins, slept on
the rooftop under a canopy of stars and listened
to the music of the boatmen on the Tigris and
Euphrates rivers, singing love songs & fishing
under the moonlight.
I loved painting, dancing and performing the songs, stories & folk tales that my grandmothers told me.
My life and art experiences expanded when
my family travelled to Europe visiting Rome, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam & London. Walking the streets of these major historical cities with their ancient /modern architecture and art museums opened my eyes & heart to the magnificent splendor of western art.
My family immigrated to the U.S. settling in Detroit, MI during the mid-sixties. Growing up in the motor city in the 60‘s & 70’s was a leap in life experience with the Vietnam war, peace marches, Detroit race riots, Motown music, street art/theatre and the woman’s movement teaching me a new consciousness. My inner & outer world views changed and added new & diverse elements into my life & art.
My formal art training began in college and continued after I received my B.A. in Theatre/Film & a post-bach. in Art
After Mr. A.’s death, I returned to Detroit and continued taking art classes at Wayne State University. While working at The Detroit Institute of Arts, I had the opportunity to view and study art collections from all over the world. This shaped my eclectic view of art and art making; Integrating various elements into my own work. During this time I was working as an installation & performance artist at various art galleries in Detroit.
Tired of the cold & snow, I packed my car and travelled across the U.S. to San Diego, California where I met my husband, Chessley. When our son, Tam Lin, was born we moved to Ashland Oregon.
I finished my art studies at SOSC, where
I exhibited in group shows and had a solo
art show. Later, finishing the Art Ed.
program with a masters in art education.
Since graduation from S.O.U. I have taught
art at middle & high schools in the Rogue Valley, SOU Youth programs, The Schneider Museum of Art and The Rogue Gallery in Medford.
I have exhibited in group shows at local galleries in Ashland as well as Detroit, Mi. at Dimensions Gallery, in their Contemporary Mesopotamian Artists exhibits. Currently I teach art and video production at Ashland High School. I am working on a performance art piece that will include new paintings focusing on my childhood in Iraq and growing up in the US.
I have returned to my roots in dance and teach sacred Baladi (traditional mid-eastern dance) to women of all ages. I lead clay goddess workshops and facilitate women’s circles & ceremonies.
Last year I sang with 4 other women and we created a CD with chants and ceremonies for women who want to start circles.
I love the beauty of the northwest, this land fuels my life & art every day. Art is grace in my life, enhancing each moment with wonder, new visions , passion with the love & joy of creation.
Art is life, life is Art