What is the best thing that I love about my work? The best thing I love about my work is the moment when a painting is finished and I surprise myself with what has appeared on the canvas. For me, creating means bringing my deepest emotions from the unconscious into a visible form. I love the entire process, from the first moment of an idea to the final composition, where intuition and control come together. Painting allows me to discover parts of myself that I may not have known before.
What is my idea of happiness? I have never experienced absolute happiness as a permanent state. I believe life is a balance of different emotions, and every feeling has its own meaning. For me, one of the deepest moments of happiness is when I hold my son in my arms and everything feels peaceful and calm. Those moments remind me of the beauty of life.
What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is not being able to raise my son in the way he deserves. Because of immigration and being alone in a new environment, the future sometimes feels uncertain to me.
My biggest concern is making sure that he grows up with love, security, and the opportunities he needs to become himself.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Sometimes I have ideas that are stronger than my technical ability to execute them at that moment, and this can be frustrating for me. I always want my skills to be able to fully express what I imagine. At the same time, this challenge pushes me to continue learning and improving.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I admire artists who have developed their own unique visual language and remained honest with themselves. I am inspired by creators who do not simply follow trends, but continue searching and discovering new ways of expressing their inner world.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? The thing I struggle with most is not the creation itself, but presenting my work to others. I believe in my art, but I would like to become better at communicating my vision, building connections, and developing strategies to introduce my work to a wider audience.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I feel the happiest when I see my paintings displayed on a gallery wall and notice people stopping, looking carefully, and creating their own emotional connection with the work. Every viewer experiences something different, and I love that a painting can create a personal dialogue with each person.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would like to have the ability to work every day and every hour when inspiration comes. Sometimes I am not always in the right mood or energy to create, even though art is always present inside me. I wish I could give more consistent time and focus to my creative process.
What is my greatest achievement in work? My greatest achievement is staying connected to my own artistic identity. When I begin a new work, I do not try to copy or take ideas from other artists. I search within myself and create from my own experiences, emotions, and imagination.
Where would I most like to live? I would like to live in a place full of museums, galleries, and artistic energy, where I can communicate with other artists and constantly be inspired by creativity and culture.
What is my most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is my son. He is the most precious part of my life and gives me a deeper understanding of love, responsibility, and purpose.
What is my most marked characteristic? I think my strongest characteristic is my ability to understand human emotions and experiences. I am deeply affected by the feelings and struggles of others, and these experiences often find their way into my artwork.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I do not have one specific place in my city that inspires me the most. Inspiration comes to me more from human experiences, emotions, and observations of life rather than a particular location.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? My ideal place would be a quiet, cozy café near the sea, preferably somewhere with an artistic atmosphere, such as a place close to a museum or cultural space.
What books influenced my life and how? Books that explore human nature, emotions, philosophy, and creativity have influenced my way of thinking. They help me understand people more deeply and see different layers of life, which also influences my artistic expression.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day? On my last day, I would listen to old Iranian songs that I grew up with. They carry memories from my childhood and connect me to my roots, my family, and important moments of my life. For me, music is not only sound, but also a way of returning to emotions and memories.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Although this question refers to fictional heroes, two artists who feel like personal heroes to me are Vincent van Gogh and Amedeo Modigliani. I admire their courage to follow their own artistic vision and create from a deeply personal place. Their work shows me the power of individuality, emotion, and honesty in art.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? I do not have one specific hero or heroine in real life. I admire people who have the courage to continue their path despite difficulties, who stay authentic and create their own way in life. Resilience, honesty, and the ability to transform challenges into growth are qualities that inspire me.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? I would recommend three films that have deeply stayed with me: Andrei Rublev, The Double Life of Véronique, and Persona. Each of these films explores different layers of human existence, identity, and inner experience. I admire the way they use image, silence, and emotion to tell stories beyond words. These films remind me that art is not only about what we see, but also about what we feel and understand beneath the surface.
What role do stories play in my life and work? Stories play an important role in my life and my work. I am most inspired by stories that I have heard closely, experienced, and truly understood through human connection. People who show courage in difficult situations represent strength to me and give me hope. The experiences of people who have faced suffering influence my artwork and help me express deeper emotions.
What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me? To me, these words mean that every experience, both beautiful and difficult, becomes part of who we are. These moments shape our personality, our inner world, and the way we see life. I believe we are responsible for our choices, but life is also like a theater where we are given a role, and we must discover how to perform it. The way we respond to our experiences becomes the story we create.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? One of the greatest supporters of my artistic journey is my teacher in Iran, Ali Siran, a painter and poet who has deeply influenced my path. I met him when I was 18 years old, and even today he continues to guide and encourage me. His understanding of art, advice, and belief in my potential have been a valuable support throughout my life.
Which people or companies would I like to work with? I would like to work with galleries, museum curators, and people who truly value creation and artistic exploration. I am interested in collaborating with those who are not looking for repetitive work, but who are open to discovering new ideas and new ways of seeing. I would like to be part of projects where we can explore, trust intuition, and create something that has not existed before.
What project am I looking forward to work on? I am currently working on a new project exploring the connection between the contemporary world and the world of early humans. I want to research prehistoric cave paintings and discover a visual connection between the first human expressions and our experiences today. I am interested in exploring emotions, desires, instincts, power, and the fundamental aspects of human nature that remain unchanged throughout history.
Where can you see me or my work? My work can currently be seen on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Saatchi Art. I am also planning to expand my online presence by sharing my portfolio on more international art platforms and creating stronger connections with the global art community.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hani.korkchi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanieh-korkchi
Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/en-de/account/profile/1817870
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? To me, “Passion Never Retires” means that when something is deeply rooted inside a person, it never truly disappears. Even during the years when I was not able to work because of motherhood and immigration, my connection with art never faded. Painting remained alive inside me and was always a part of my identity.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? I would like Peter to invite creative women from Iran who have continued their artistic journeys despite cultural, social, and personal challenges. I know many talented women who have been creating with dedication for many years, even when they have not received the recognition they deserve. Their passion, persistence, and commitment to their art are inspiring. I would be happy to share their names and Instagram links if needed.
How can you contact me?
Email: Hani.korkchi@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hani.korkchi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanieh-korkchi
Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/en-de/account/profile/1817870