San Francisco Voice

* California Homes – Under The Weeping Cherry by Salma Arastu, see her website for additional paintings*

Salma Arastu received a Masters of Fine Arts degree in India in the 1970’s and has been continuing to create art since that time. Moving to the United States in the mid-1970’s, she’s shown her work in New York City and is now sharing her creativity with us here in the Bay Area. In this interview, Arastu shares the theme of her work, its history and the direction she’s taking now, and her favorite areas in the Bay Area.  She’s showing at both Stanford and in Oakland; you have until July 4th to check out the former but the latter is only up this weekend at her open studio. 

What can you tell us about the basics of your artwork?

I work in various media and on different surfaces. But through each effort I am trying to release that “self” inside me to eternal freedom. And as image after image or sculptural form are created on canvas, board, paper and metal, and in acrylics, colored inks, gauche and washes, they convey one thought: “Let us bring the world together, celebrate life and pay homage to our Creator”. That is the basis of my work.

What projects are you working on now?

• I am working on several projects simultaneously.
• A sculpture series intended for public art submissions here in California or another state.
• New paintings in mixed media that I would like to present to galleries around SF and East Bay. 
• Planning a digital series, combining my paintings and photographs of the different places in the Bay Area to show the flow of humanity. In 2006, I did a digital series for New York City, which was very well received.
• Working on illustrations of Ameer Khusro’s life, a Sufi poet and musician from India. The Sufi’s work celebrates harmony among different peoples. 
• New designs with Arabic Calligraphy, which I do in my own style rather than the traditional and formal styles of Arabic Calligraphy.

What art goals do you have for yourself?

I have had relatively good success on the East Coast and some in Germany and India. I want to establish myself as an artist in the SF and East Bay Area first and that is my priority. I would like to see my sculptures in Public and community spaces.

What do you think the average visitor to San Francisco should know about the art scene here?

There is a lot to see and lot to explore! I discover a new art gallery or art event each time I visit the city. The city is throbbing with art so don’t miss out on anything!

How does working as an artist here differ from your experiences working as an artist on the East Coast?   As an artist in India?

Well as I just said there is so much happening here in art areas. I feel overwhelmed! On the East coast, I was living in a small town so on a daily basis I did not have so much opportunities locally. However, in Bethlehem we had a dynamic organization called the Banana Factory which offered good local opportunities. I had a studio there for 8 years. I had to make personal and special efforts by going to places like New York City, Philadelphia and other nearby towns and galleries.

I emigrated from India in 1976 and since then have been back for two solo shows, both of which were very well received and I sold 10 to 12 pieces of artworks at both shows. But truly speaking with the internet and the current global scene, the art world has immense opportunities everywhere.

How does the city inspire or affect your art work?

It has inspired me very much. The city is beautiful and I am especially attracted towards small houses with Spanish architecture, painted with different colors and surrounded by exotic plants and flowers. I have started a series “California Homes” showing the houses in my miniature style of paintings. Chandler Fine Art showed those paintings and still carries them.

Where can you be found when you’re just out and about in the city? 

I live in Oakland and I often come to the city to explore different galleries. But I happen to go to SFMOMA area more often. The whole area is beautiful with the Yoruba Buena Gardens, museums and galleries. Union Square with all the galleries around Geary and Sutter streets is also my favorite place.

Do you have any current / upcoming shows?

• Stanford Art Spaces, “Paintings by Salma Arastu” from April 27, 2007 through July 4, 2007. Curated by Marilyn Grossman.
• East Bay Open Studios, at my studio, 3240 Telegraph St. Oakland CA, on June 9, and 10, 2007.
• Monsoon Gallery in Bethlehem, PA. This gallery represents my works and Mr. Ranjeet Pawar, Owner /Curator, would like to showcase my recent work done in San Francisco. The exhibition is scheduled to open in October 2007.

What advice do you have for emerging artists?

Keep working and listen to your heart. Sooner or later it will put you on your right path. Take negative responses with a smile, a nod and keep searching your way. Look for galleries that are bold and willing to take a chance with new and emerging talent. It is those galleries that mark out the meaningful trends in art that the bigger and richer galleries later exploit commercially.

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