Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanaz Hooshiani
Hi Sanaz, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Sanaz, and I was born and raised in Iran until the age of 26. I’ve always been interested in art. My family was deeply involved in the arts—whether it was painting, singing or playing musical instruments. My dad used to paint, and that was my first introduction to art. He passed away when I was three but then one day when I was very little I found his oil paints in a dusty box and started playing with them. I immediately loved working with color.
When I was nine, my mom enrolled me in a painting class with Shahin Saboohi, a highly talented female artist. That’s when I started learning different techniques—painting with watercolors, oils, pastels, and pencils. I continued with that for several years until I went to university. I studied industrial management and after graduating, I started working in sales & marketing for a company which kept me away from art for a while. I had always wanted to be an artist, but back in the days in Iran, art was rarely seen as a viable career or a stable source of income. Coming from a middle-income family with a single mom, I knew I had to prioritize financial independence, so I chose a more practical path. Yet, my ambition to create never faded; I was determined to find my way back when the time was right.
After working in that company for four years, something unexpected happened—I won the US Diversity Visa Lottery. So, at 26, I said goodbye to my family, life and a stablished career, and moved to the U.S. with a suitcase and under $500 in my pocket. I didn’t speak any English, and my future felt completely uncertain. Those early years were challenging; I was in survival mode, working in retail and restaurants just to cover my bills while studying accounting. which eventually helped me build a stable career.
So when things became more stable, I started exploring creative side of me again, and one day, I came across Kelly Wearstler’s work on Instagram. As an icon in interior design, her style captivated me, and I became completely obsessed. Her designs and choice of color felt like art with soul, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them. With the urging of my mentor, Mozhgan Mortazavi—one of my greatest sources of support and motivation, I decided to write to Kelly Wearstler and share my story. To my surprise, her assistant responded and she eventually sent me one of her books and a handwritten note of encouragement. At that moment, I knew I was on the right path.
I tried woodworking, sewing, baking, party props, and other hands-on crafts and also took interior design courses. While I enjoyed them, none of them felt like the “one.”
That changed when I discovered ceramics through Instagram and YouTube. Watching these amazing artists create pieces from clay fascinated me, and I decided to give it a try. I bought some supplies and started learning from online tutorials.
I made a lot of mistakes along the way. But over time, I got the hang of it. It’s been over two years now, and working with clay has become my true creative passion.
Now, I’m working on building my website, growing my social media presence, and participating in art shows. I feel like I’ve finally found the thing that connects deeply with who I am. And I hope my story is inspiring for those who are still seeking their true passion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but it has certainly been an enjoyable journey. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about myself and discovered a newfound strength and empowerment that I never knew I had.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love hand-building asymmetrical pieces, embracing imperfections, and allowing the clay to take its own shape. My work reflects my appreciation for simplicity and nature’s imperfection, bringing a sense of peace and timelessness into my life.
What I’m most proud of is the emotional connection my work creates, reflecting simplicity and nature’s flaws. What sets me apart is my intuitive approach. I let go of control and just create.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes, I’d like to share that my journey as an artist has been deeply personal and transformative. For anyone still searching for their passion, I want to encourage them not to give up. Sometimes it takes time, experimentation, and even failures to find what truly resonates with you. Embrace the process, stay open to new experiences, and trust that your path will reveal itself when you’re ready.
At the end, I want to express my gratitude to all the artists out there. Through their tutorials and shared content on social media, they provide motivation, inspiration, and hope to people like me. I also want to thank SD Voyage magazine for giving me this great opportunity to share my story with their readers.
Love,
Sanaz
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sanazhexpressions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanazhexpressions/
Image Credits
Heather Broomhall
