Nine years have passed since I immigrated to the U.S., and one question has stayed with me: what does identity mean? When you leave behind all you know to begin something new—where is home? Where do you belong?

I often find myself in between—rooted in deep Iranian values while adapting to a Western way of life. It’s a space that feels tender, exciting, amusing—and sometimes confusing. Familiar and unfamiliar, grounded and ungrounded.

In that in-between, I turned to my hands and imagination. I’ve been learning block printing and pattern-making while reconnecting with the visual language of my heritage—Persian and Central Asian motifs in architecture, pottery, and nomadic rugs.

Each hand-printed pattern repeats with subtle differences—echoing the past while gently making space for something new.

My colors are inspired by English countryside interiors, vintage textiles, and aged furniture, and I think it's my way of meeting the West I’ve grown to appreciate. I choose each shade with care, hoping to evoke balance and quiet harmony

This work isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. About grounding. About creating something that feels like home.

(Afshan)