Jaleh in her studio — photo credit Diane Smith, The Ark Newspaper

Jaleh in her studio — photo credit Diane Smith, The Ark Newspaper

 

Artist Statement

For me, the challenge in painting comes when the viewer sees something beyond the surface of the subject matter. The successful execution of techniques in a painting is only a matter of practice. The real challenge is to bring out what is beyond the surface, whether it is the feeling or the character. Once it is discovered and unearthed from the depth of the surface, then the painting is complete. 

The same theory applies to the viewer. Some see the surface and others see the depth. Once one discovers the depth, the love for a piece of art begins.

I grow with my art, keeping my horizons open and exciting, challenging my creativity. My purpose and aim is to be able to have a visual language interaction with the viewer, capturing their lingering thoughts. It is my hope that this spark of life within the created forms will provoke inquiry into the realms of emotion and intellect. If I am able to achieve just this fact, then I see the painting as a successful work.

—Jaleh Etemad

Biography

Born in Azerbaijan, Iran, Jaleh was educated in England, obtaining a BS and an MS degree in Advance Medical Laboratory Technology specializing in Electron Microscopy, and working in Cancer Research. Since 1970 Jaleh Etemad has resided in the United States. In 1986, she received a degree in Fine Arts from California State University Northridge, Los Angeles. Her work has been widely exhibited in California as well as in Hawaii and New Mexico. She has been the recipient of several awards and has exhibited internationally in Paris, Stockholm, Oslo, Rome, and Beijing. 

Publications include—

"International Women Artists," Vol. 1, 1997, and Vol. 2, 2001.

“100 Contemporary Artists“ Art Addiction-World of Art, 2003.

“The Art of Layering: Making Connections,” The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, Vol. 1, 2004.

“Process & Projects,” Alliance of Women Artists, Vol. 3, 2010.

“Visual Journeys: Art in the 21st Century,” The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, Vol. 3, 2010.

“Unique Insights,” The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, co editor, 2016

“I Remember When…-Stories of Tiburon Peninsula” edited and published by jaleh Etemad  2016.

Awards & Positions—

Tiburon Artist Laureate (2012–2016)

President, The Society of Layerists in Multi-Media (2013–2018)

Tiburon Heritage and Arts commissioner (2018–present)

Resumé

 
A few years ago, my brother Oroad Azarbeygui gave me a package as a birthday present. He said, “Jaleh, this is for you” with a big smile on his face. I opened it and to my surprise, I found a watercolor painting of trees and a stream. Apparently, I …

A few years ago, my brother Oroad Azarbeygui gave me a package as a birthday present. He said, “Jaleh, this is for you” with a big smile on his face. I opened it and to my surprise, I found a watercolor painting of trees and a stream. Apparently, I had painted it when I was fourteen years old! I never remembered painting it, but there it was! My proof. On the corner, my signature and the year that I had painted it. I really was amazed and so appreciative that my brother gave me this precious gift and had kept it with him all these years. This is the painting pictured here.