ARTIST STATEMENT
My artistic philosophy revolves around a commitment to environmental sustainability. “Lady in Blue” exemplifies this ethos as it encapsulates a deliberate effort to divert waste from landfills. The foundation is crafted from hand-torn strips of a discarded calendar, utilizing its thick, glossy texture to etch patterns with a cement trowel. Marks were added with an oil stick, while newspaper ads and dried coffee grounds contribute color and texture. A final layer of leveling gel seals the work, sealing the coffee grounds and enhancing the textured surface. Each piece, including “Lady in Blue,” serves as a testament to my exploration of sustainable art practices, blending artistic expression with environmental responsibility. Through these creations, I aim to transform our perception of waste and foster a deeper appreciation for beauty in its diverse forms.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Residing in Berkeley, Dee Mostofi is a reemerging artist, with a successful career in PR and Communications. Her artistic journey began with a scholastic gold key award and participation in student exhibitions at institutions like the Whitney Museum and Corcoran National Gallery. These achievements garnered a spot as one of three women accepted as a freshman that year into USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.
Initially drawn to the precision of high-contrast black and white photography during her youth, Dee now embraces the ambiguity of abstraction. Over the past year, she immersed herself in courses at Stanford with Bay Area artist Katie Hawkinson and participated in workshops with Micheal Shemchuk (Shem) at Jen Tough’s Air Studios in Santa Fe, forming meaningful connections with both artists who have become friends. Dee also actively supports Bay Area artists and galleries through her board work at Oakland Art Murmur.
Dee’s artistic exploration delves into recurring themes of belonging, love, grief, and queer identity. Her compositions are an intricate intersections of her past, present, and the possibilities that lie ahead. Grit and reinvention also underscore her work, mirroring our ever evolving life experiences and pursuit of self-actualization through creative expression.
© Dee Mostofi