121 days: Parisa Tabrizi

Today, under the serene Isfahan sky, I spent the morning at the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, marveling at its architectural perfection. The intricate designs on the dome, almost like lace against the sunlight, inspired me to set up my easel right there. While I was absorbed in my sketches, a local art student, Parisa Tabrizi, approached me. She was curious about my techniques and the vibrant palette I had chosen to capture the mosque. Parisa, who studies fine arts at a nearby university, shared her experience with traditional Persian miniatures and her struggle to incorporate modern themes without losing a touch of heritage. We exchanged ideas about blending traditional art forms with contemporary styles, finding common ground in our artistic endeavors despite our different backgrounds. It was enriching to connect with someone navigating the same creative dilemmas, but from such a different cultural lens. We agreed to meet again tomorrow at the bazaar for a little impromptu art session. Days like these remind me why I embarked on this journey, not just to create art, but to weave the threads of human connection across the canvas of the world.