Iran 2025

Returning to Iran this October has been a healing of sorts; a reminder of my roots and of just how diverse the country's landscape and culture really are. I have been here only two weeks, arriving in the midst of the millions of people who call Tehran home. There is always an adjustment period, where I am at a standstill absorbing the flavors, smells, and bustle of the city. If you have never experienced Persian cuisine, I highly recommend you do, because there is nothing quite like a sizzling kabob, laid strategically over a pile of buttered, saffron-flavored Basmati rice, with a charred half tomato and a raw onion on the side. I have a lot of family here, so I am fortunate that my meals are not only prepared for me but also tailored to my cravings and desires on any given day. I feel at ease in this country, where the old mixes with the new, and the abundant hospitality displayed here does not jive with the world news we read about this place in other countries. I have already used my brushes and paints, wetting my appetite for the Plein-Air work I plan to do during this trip. In the pictures, you see me at my villa, which sounds fancy in English, but calling a small place a villa is typical here. I built this villa myself with the help of my neighbors. The Caspian Sea is within view, and life is honest and straightforward. News of the world seems far away, and yes, it is an escape for the time being; a time for me to reconnect to the surrounding nature, to give outsiders a view into a country that has been under scrutiny and misunderstood far too long. I am working on a book, titled "Homage to Iran," which is a way of honoring this land and culture through paintings, poetry, and observations. I am aiming for a late spring release, along with a showing of my Iran paintings at my gallery in Snohomish. I will keep you updated on this memorable journey!