Welcome to the 334th edition of ‘A View From the Easel,’ a series where artists share insights into their creative environments. This installment features Hadieh Afshani, an artist from New Jersey, who delves into themes of migration using ink and fosters a community of artist-mothers. Interested in participating? Review our submission guidelines and tell us about your workspace using this form. All types of studios are encouraged, including home setups.
Hadieh Afshani, based in Jersey City, New Jersey, has been using her current studio for two years. Her typical studio day starts after she drops her older child at daycare and her husband at the PATH station. She then heads to her studio at Mana Contemporary with her baby, adjusting her work around his schedule. During his naps or feeding times, she shifts between active art-making and reflective thinking, often juggling multiple pieces at once. Podcasts, music, or audiobooks provide a backdrop that helps her view her work from fresh perspectives, wrapping up her day around 5pm.
The environment at Mana Contemporary, surrounded by other artists, offers Hadieh a balance of shared dedication and the solitude necessary for her practice. The space allows her to concentrate and develop her work through careful observation and layering. Its proximity to her home and child’s daycare supports a steady routine amidst her daily responsibilities. Outside the studio, Hadieh remains engaged with a vibrant artistic community, particularly connecting with other mothers from various fields, fostering dialogues that span daily life to broader social issues.
Hadieh appreciates her studio’s simplicity and functionality. The natural light and in-studio sink facilitate seamless transitions between different artistic processes. The spaciousness allows for working on several projects simultaneously, with room to reflect on them over time. She values the historical character of the Mana building, which adds a sense of continuity and personal connection to her workspace. However, the financial burden of maintaining a studio in the New York area poses challenges, especially while managing family responsibilities with young children.
Among local museums, Hadieh favors the Tenement Museum for its intimate portrayal of immigrant experiences throughout New York’s history. This connection between past and present resonates with her work’s themes of migration and displacement. Recently, she has been experimenting with bright, transparent inks, drawn by their fluidity and the unpredictable ways they interact, allowing forms to gradually emerge through layers and chance.
