Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanaz Rafi.
Hi Sanaz, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Honestly, I don’t know where to begin with my story. I will try to briefly explain. I’m Persian, born in Iran. There I earned my master’s degree in environmental law and worked for 15 years as a legal expert. Art has always been with me despite whatever else I was doing in my life. My art journey started when I was in middle school but learning about the environment opened a new perspective on art for me. As an adult, I completed three years of drawing and painting lessons at a private art school. So, even when I worked full time as a legal expert, I painted after work.
My husband and I moved with our young son to the US in 2015, looking for freedom and to make a better life for our son. When we moved to the US, I brought my painting supplies and some of my books in my suitcase. I brought them because I didn’t know where I could buy art supplies in America. After two years in the US, I thought I could show my artwork to the people. I cleaned a storage space in my backyard, I made a sign in the front lawn and put my paintings around for an art show. My very nice friends and neighbors came. Even though I didn’t sell any of my artwork, the people who came gave me hope and encouraged me to keep doing my art. My dream was to sell my paintings and to teach art to others one day.
But I had many challenges as an immigrant. First, I thought the best use of my education was to work in an American law firm. But it required me to continue my legal education at an American law school. I couldn’t do that because I didn’t have a US green card to get a federal loan. So, I studied in a more affordable paralegal program at KSU. However, taking college classes wasn’t easy while working full time in retail and taking care of my son. And the desire to focus on my art grew.
In my free time, I translated everything that I learned about art, drawing and painting into English. I then started to teach drawing and painting to children. I offered private art lessons at students’ homes. I needed to work hard full time, so I could only teach on weekends. I didn’t have enough time to paint for myself, and our rental home did not offer a proper art studio space.
My husband and I worked hard, and after four years we bought a house with a basement that I made into my art studio. After that, my students could come to my art studio for lessons. But I was still juggling my art lessons and painting with full-time retail work. Finally, with the stress of Covid, I thought I had to do something to change my life. I decided to do what I really love and enjoy: art. In that time, fortunately, my husband got a good job. I quit my full-time job and focused on art and painting. I met a very nice lady, Dr. Shannon Barnes who is the owner of Tranquility Fine Arts Gallery in downtown Woodstock, Georgia. I started to work at the gallery as an artist, art teacher and assistant gallerist. I also taught art lessons online and at my art studio for children and adults. And I just signed a contract to work at the Roswell Visual Arts Center as an art teacher. I had a very tough time, but I never gave up. Thank God for all that I have achieved. I am now able to do what I love: paint and teach art to others. I also have achieved my dream of selling my paintings at Tranquility Fine Arts Gallery.
I will always be thankful for all the people who helped me through my journey. My husband, my son, my friends who are like family to me. And special thanks to my friends, Fran and Allison.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? It wasn’t a smooth road, as I explained. Some of the struggles were challenges as an immigrant in a new world. I had to start again from zero to make my life here, with a different language and different culture. But I was so lucky to always meet very kind and nice people who could help me at the right time, that I call them God’s hands.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I really love and enjoy painting and teaching art lessons. I have developed my own methods for teaching art because I believe a teacher’s ability to lead is very important in how well a student learns art, drawing and painting. I am proud of after all my struggles. I didn’t give up and found my way. I think what sets me apart from others is I don’t let myself get stuck in my life. I am always looking for ways to improve myself in various aspects of my life.
I am accepting new private art students at my home studio in Marietta, GA and at Tranquility Fine Arts Gallery in Woodstock, GA. If you live in the area and are interested in scheduling a private lesson, please contact me through the email address or through the Tranquility Fine Arts Gallery link below.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being strong, patient and interested in always improving myself in different aspects of my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: sanazrafienia@gmail.com
- Instagram: Sanaz_art_gallery
- Facebook: Sanaz Rafy
- Gallery: tranquilityfinearts.com
Image Credits:
Sanaz Rafi
