Hello! Bailee Golden here. This month, we interviewed artist Hooshang Khorasani. You may know him from his distinct subject matter: horses and florals. You can find images of his work and more at hooshangstudio.com
Are there any obstacles working as an artist in a small town?
Blazing Runner, 30x40 inches, acrylic on canvas
The size of the community does not reflect on its value of the arts. Even though Ruston is a small town, the arts are thriving here. I like living here in Ruston, but I also have many artistic connections in other areas of the country, as do many other artists in this day and age.
How has your art evolved over the years?
"Over the years" concerning my career is a long story, but I can mention one thing that I will never forget. In high school I couldn't concentrate to study math, history or other such subjects because all the time art was in my head. When I found out there was a special arts-related high school in another state, I went to register and live by myself, far from family for three years. There, every day in the morning, we all worked in a large studio, painting, and we had a lot of models. It was very exciting and also very challenging at that age to live far from my family and to see them just in the summer. After high school, I majored in art at college and then became a graphic designer. Working with interior decorators as a self-employed artist in Europe followed. Then finally, I came to America and continue following my art career today, which includes work with galleries, museums and publishers.
Color Storm Sonata, 30x40 inches, acrylic on canvas
Florals, abstracts, and horses are quite different. What commonalities do you find among each of your subjects?
Flowers in a Green Vase, 24x30 inches, acrylic on canvas
In general, the main thing that ties my work together is a feeling of energy. At different times, I work on different subjects. For example, after studying about Native Americans, I started painting some of the real, historical people's portraits. After traveling to national parks, I started my landscapes. At other times, I've had live models, and a series of ladies emerged on canvas and paper. I used to ride horses, and it is still exciting for me to paint them. Also at various times I worked on still lifes and more. I continue working in three genres – abstracts, florals and horses – because I continue to enjoy doing it and also because of my clientele.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
There are lots of memories and feedback from my collectors. One Texas resident who is a collector of my running horse paintings says that every time she looks at her painting she wants to get out and start running herself. It was fun to hear that.
How do you see yourself growing as an artist in the future?
I'm not sure about that. But I know if I'm not able to work in my studio for a while because of "life," I feel that something is missing. Later when I go back to work, everything gets more normal.