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Azita Mireshghi is an Iranian-American metalsmith, curator, and studio-artist based out of Santa Monica, California. She comes from 3 generations of blacksmiths. She obtained her Master of Fine Arts degree in Jewelry and Metal Arts in 2016. Her work explores emotions through jewelry and is process-driven, by creating textures and patterns. She focuses on making work that is strong and bold, meant to incite an internal response and increase confidence for the wearer. |
2022
Social Artivism
Exploring the reach and effects of art in social justice activism, specifically related to the Woman Life Freedom Movement in Iran and around the globe.
Social Artivism
Exploring the reach and effects of art in social justice activism, specifically related to the Woman Life Freedom Movement in Iran and around the globe.
2021
Mycophile Collection
For my latest collection, I was inspired by all things Fungi, and was very drawn to the variety of textures, organic patterns, and growths found on mushrooms; as a lover of mushrooms, I consider myself a Mycophile and used this as the title of my current work. As I dove into my study of Fungi bloom textures, I discovered my connection to the artistic process. My goal in this collection was to showcase the many different techniques & materials I utilized in transforming metal into wearable pieces, creating a cohesive body of work.
Mycophile Collection
For my latest collection, I was inspired by all things Fungi, and was very drawn to the variety of textures, organic patterns, and growths found on mushrooms; as a lover of mushrooms, I consider myself a Mycophile and used this as the title of my current work. As I dove into my study of Fungi bloom textures, I discovered my connection to the artistic process. My goal in this collection was to showcase the many different techniques & materials I utilized in transforming metal into wearable pieces, creating a cohesive body of work.
2017
Sublimation
Creation and mental health can be interdependent on each other. As a sufferer of General Anxiety Disorder, I am currently exploring the relationship between repetitive actions and creative results. Textural sensations can help ease anxiety, anger, fear, and sadness, such as petting a soft animal, touching something bumpy, or using a fidget spinner. In the same way, my focus on textures represents an attempt to channel destructive emotions in a constructive way into something positive, resulting in a piece of wearable jewelry that can be a coping tool for other people suffering from difficult emotions.
Sublimation
Creation and mental health can be interdependent on each other. As a sufferer of General Anxiety Disorder, I am currently exploring the relationship between repetitive actions and creative results. Textural sensations can help ease anxiety, anger, fear, and sadness, such as petting a soft animal, touching something bumpy, or using a fidget spinner. In the same way, my focus on textures represents an attempt to channel destructive emotions in a constructive way into something positive, resulting in a piece of wearable jewelry that can be a coping tool for other people suffering from difficult emotions.
2014
Nature As Empowerment (MFA Thesis Collection)
Nature’s mystery, beauty, and power inspires me and helps me stay grounded in the chaos that confines me. When I connect with nature, I feel its energy and strength calming and centering.
The primary material for my work is metal, such as brass, bronze, and copper. Unique elements such as intricate fur textures or skin patterns and peculiar appendages spark my curiosity and fascination, especially with animals. To capture the energy associated with them, I incorporate organic materials such as horse hair, and etchings of textures meant to mimic their skin. The design and composition of each piece is influenced by tribal adornments, biomorphic shapes, and forms used in armor.
I strive to create statement pieces that will invoke feelings such as strength and courage to the wearer (or viewer). I work mostly on a large scale so each piece amplifies the body. My goal is to create wearable jewelry that empowers the wearer, and represents the way our senses and emotions force us to respond to the overwhelming beauty, mystery, and power that surrounds us, and to promote the sense of confidence that jewelry can stir up when worn.
Nature As Empowerment (MFA Thesis Collection)
Nature’s mystery, beauty, and power inspires me and helps me stay grounded in the chaos that confines me. When I connect with nature, I feel its energy and strength calming and centering.
The primary material for my work is metal, such as brass, bronze, and copper. Unique elements such as intricate fur textures or skin patterns and peculiar appendages spark my curiosity and fascination, especially with animals. To capture the energy associated with them, I incorporate organic materials such as horse hair, and etchings of textures meant to mimic their skin. The design and composition of each piece is influenced by tribal adornments, biomorphic shapes, and forms used in armor.
I strive to create statement pieces that will invoke feelings such as strength and courage to the wearer (or viewer). I work mostly on a large scale so each piece amplifies the body. My goal is to create wearable jewelry that empowers the wearer, and represents the way our senses and emotions force us to respond to the overwhelming beauty, mystery, and power that surrounds us, and to promote the sense of confidence that jewelry can stir up when worn.
Education
2016 MFA, Jewelry and Metal Arts. Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA.
2007 BA, Global and International Studies; French. University of California, Santa Barbara.
Awards
2023 Future Art Award Honorarium, Mozaik Philanthropy
2016 Otto Frei Award
2015 Academy of Art University, Spring Show First Place MFA
Solo Exhibitions
2016 Nature as Empowerment, Academy of Art University Galleries at The Cannery, San Francisco, CA
Group Exhibitions
2023 Iranian Artists: Immortal Spirit, Galleria Boheme, San Francisco, CA
2023 Revolution: Visions of Woman Life Freedom (Virtual), SNAG Metalsmith, https://snagmetalsmith.org/exhibition/revolution/
2023 Future Art Awards: WOMAN.LIFE.FREEDOM (Virtual), Mozaik Philanthropy, https://mozaikphilanthropy.org/woman-life-freedom/
2022 Hope is Resiliency (Online), SNAG Metalsmith, https://snagmetalsmith.org/exhibition/hope-is-resiliency
2022 Verdant Bodies, Armory Art Center, West Palm Beach, FL
2019 JEM: A Timeline, Atelier Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2018 Excellence in Fibers, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, San Jose, CA
2017 Art Hearts Fashion, Six Summit Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2017 Past, Present, Future, Academy of Art University Galleries at The Cannery, San Francisco, CA
2016 What is Your Sanctuary, 111 Minna Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2016 Spring Show, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
2016 InFlux: Future Directions in Jewelry and Metal Arts, Academy of Art University Galleries at The Cannery, San Francisco, CA
2015 Exploration and Discovery, Academy of Art University Galleries at The Cannery, San Francisco, CA
2015 Spring Show, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
2014 Spring Show, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
Bibliography
Editorial, L'Officiel Arabia, September 2023
Cover & Story, EGW Global Magazine, Spring 2023
Feature, Mulipass, Vol. 1, 2023
Editorial, Face Magazine, April 2023
Editorial, Cliche Magazine, March 2023
Story, L'Oficiel UK, February 16, 2023
Story, JeJune Magazine, November 21, 2022
Jewelry Alumna Creates Narrative of her Own with "Sublimation", ArtUnews.com, March 11, 2022
Rising Stars: Meet Azita Mireshghi, Voyage LA, September 15, 2021
Story, JeJune Magazine, May 28, 2021
Cover, JeJune Magazine, October 17, 2019
Cover & Story, Sheen Magazine, Nov-Dec 2018
"Excellence in Fibers: A Juried Exhibition in Print," Fiber Art Now Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 2, Winter 2017
Cover & Story, 1968 Magazine, Winter Issue, 2017/2018
Dorothy O'Donnell, "Skilled Stylists Help JEM Grad's Work Shine in Print," AcademyArtUNews.com, December 2017
Cover & Story, Modern Salon Magazine, July 2017
En-Vie-Fashion Magazine, www.en-vie-fashion.com, March 2017
"Animal Instincts," Jewelersoutsidethebox.com, November 2015
Jennifer Blot, “Jewelry & Metal Arts work sparkles at The Cannery,” Academy Art U News, March 2015, p.16
Professional Experience
2023-present Board Member, Society of North American Goldsmiths
2023-present Exhibitions Committee, Society of North American Goldsmiths
2023 Curator, Society of North American Goldsmiths virtual exhibition, Revolution: Visions of Woman Life Freedom
2017 - 2018 Artist Mentor. Venice Arts, Venice, CA.
2015 – 2016 President. Academy of Art University Jewelry and Metal Arts Club, San Francisco, CA
2014 – 2015 Membership Chair. Academy of Art University Jewelry and Metal Arts Club, San Francisco, CA