“I was born in Abadan, Iran, in a half-Persian, half-Arab family. My maternal grandfather was a traditional craftsman and from childhood I had a love for painting and calligraphy and wanted to become an artist when I grew up.

“In high school, I specialized in graphics and moved to Isfahan, a city known for its rich artistic heritage. I immersed myself in this beautiful artistic ambience, learning and practicing various artistic skills. Meanwhile, I started teaching elementary school art classes. One of my classes left a lasting impression on me when I was teaching young children of 3-7 years old.

“It was an unforgettable experience painting with those children and for them, and looking at things from their simple and innocent point of view. I knew then that I wanted to illustrate children’s books! I am now the father of a six-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl and cherish my children’s suggestions. Recently my son wanted a rainbow in an illustration I was painting for a children’s book and I had to give in and I liked the outcome!

“I have always been fascinated with the values and beauties of the times past. At university, I studied preservation and restoration of historic sites and monuments. My paintings in a way prolong my love for the preservation of historic sites. In preserving a site, one is in fact preserving its values and beauties, while remaining true to the period and the people who created that piece of art. Illustrating for children is no different: It is the revival of ‘once upon a time, in a far-away land…’

“As an illustrator, I strive to depict people within their cultural setting, taking into account the artistic period and ambience of the people. I want to share with young readers my own interest in the beauties of the past, and contribute to understanding the importance of preserving humanity’s cultural heritage; for all people have values embedded in their respective traditional art.”