Abstract
I am captivated by the vast, barren landscapes of the desert. The natural, muted colors of dune and sand formations speak to me of resilience and adaptability, as well as the crucial importance of water in this unforgiving environment. I draw inspiration from the delicate balance of life in this fragile ecosystem, where the livelihoods of communities depend on equitable access to water resources. I am particularly drawn to the role of rural women in achieving sustainable livelihoods through the collaborative and equitable management of water resources, such as the Persian ancient underground aqueducts known as qanats. These women have developed innovative ways to conserve and allocate precious water resources, using a portion of their income from Pateh sales to renovate and maintain the ancient qanats in order to sustain their families and communities. Pateh is a traditional needlework craft of rural women in Iran’s central deserts that has influenced the patterns within my work. Through a combination of pulp painting and screen printing techniques on handmade paper that features cultural motifs related to my work, I celebrate the artistic collaboration between women and the qanats and support their water shareholder's rights. I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of desert landscapes and the innovative practices of those who call the desert home. Paper is a critical medium to my work as it reflects the importance of water for human life. The tactile aspect of the papermaking process provides many insights and a meditative connection to nature. Large-scale three-dimensional papermaking allows me to create immense intricate papers that serve as a metaphor for women's resilience in the desert. My work is an environmental art, that revolves around exploring the profound connection between environmental crises and women's issues. I aim to delve into the intricate and interconnected relationship between nature, society, and women's experiences, with a specific focus on the captivating narrative of the desert, water, and women. The foundation of my artistic inspiration revolves around contemporary artists specializing in paper and environmental art. Their works share commonalities with mine, be it in terms of materials or conceptual ideas. Among these remarkable individuals are Michelle Stuart, Maya Lin, Guy Laramée, Ahmad Nadalian Hong Hong, and Jane Ingram Allen. In this thesis project, I explore the desert, to symbolize an unpredictable and challenging environment where water scarcity creates an ongoing struggle for survival. It represents the inherent difficulties faced by both nature and women within society. In this context, women emerge as testaments to resilience and adaptability. Like the desert, women often encounter marginalization, the silencing of their voices, and the undervaluing of their contributions. Despite these challenges, they persist and flourish, displaying incredible strength and the ability to adapt to even the harshest conditions. The vast emptiness of the desert serves as a metaphor for the limitations and obstacles women encounter within society. Despite these challenges, they persevere, embodying strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. By drawing parallels between the desert and women's experiences, my work sheds light on the shared struggles and triumphs that shape their lives. Water scarcity further intensifies the complexity of these connections in the body of my work. It magnifies the challenges faced by both the desert and women, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions and equitable resource management. Water, in the context of women and the desert, carries profound symbolic significance. It transcends being a mere physical necessity and embodies deeper meanings associated with femininity, fertility, and life-giving properties. Water represents nourishment, growth, and vitality, essential for sustaining life in arid landscapes. Similarly, women, through their roles as caregivers, nurturers, and providers, bring forth life and sustenance to their families and communities, metaphorically mirroring the life-giving properties of water.