The artist is proud of his adopted
country, fond of American people and grateful for the creative freedom he
has found here. But Reza is frustrated and saddened by the United States'
economic struggles.
"The Fire is Burning" is the
title of Reza's next series of paintings, still in its conceptual stage,
which will reflect his thoughts about the economy.
"I'd like to see this country get
back on its feet and get going," Reza said. "People have to work
two jobs just to pay the mortgage, and they can't spend any time with
their families."
Reza's family sent him to college in the United States to study
engineering. But tuition increases forced Reza to drop out of school,
opening the door for him to pursue his interest in art. Within 10 years, Reza
owned a graphics art business in Washington, D.C.
Seven years ago, Reza left the business
world and moved south to devote himself to painting full time.
Reza calls Florida a paradise but is
more influenced by American culture in general than his tropical,
surroundings.
"I function better in warm weather,
" Reza said.
Reza says America is a great place to be
an artist, and he is more successful here than he could ever be anywhere
else.
Though he praises the creative freedom
he works in, Reza would like to see the growth of a broader base of
interest in the visual arts.
"Art is not bad news and bad news
is what gets publicized," Reza said.
The recent cutbacks in government
funding for the arts haven't helped, he said.
"Food becomes more essential than
art," Reza said.
Even when the art is a Mounds bar that looks good enough
to eat.
