" As I imagined the journey of Bahamoot the whale, I couldn't help but wonder about his eventual destination. I wondered about the waters that he would inevitably return to, drawn by some unseen force. I envisioned the magnificent journey of this great beast, the experiences he would have, the sights he would see, and I couldn't help but think of my father, who represented that same stable, reliable, and dependable figure.
I wanted my penultimate painting in this series to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia for a land that is well-loved and wonderful – a place of memories, beauty, splendor, and home far away.
I created a Persian manuscript style of painting called "Fatherland," which depicts all the wonderful, colorful, and imaginative stories from my ancestral lands. It was crafted from my father's memories of the rolling hills and streams he grew up around. The colors of the mountains, the warm summer skies, the exotic foliage, and the wonderful fauna – all of these elements were woven together to create a vibrant and captivating scene.
The legend of Bahamoot is ultimately a metaphorical depiction of man's relationship and dependence on land, sea, and animals. With this painting, I wanted to celebrate home and marvel at just how wonderful it truly is."