Reza Derakhshani was born and raised in Sangsar a mountainous village in Iran whose admirable beauty of nature is still present in Reza's paintings. As a prodigy of art he started painting at 8 and won numerous national art competitions. Taking the adventure to Europe, Reza eventually settled and adopted the city of New York for almost two decades.

Ostad Reza is a painter, performer and master of classical Persian music. His innovations continually weave the notes of the East with the West. His paintings are regularly featured in galleries and private collections worldwide. He has been pursuing many diverse art forms such as: graphic design, book illustration, film animation and calligraphy.

Reza has also collaborated with world renowned artists such as: John Densmore of The Doors, Branford Marsalis, Robert Bly, Coleman Barks, Bill T. Jones, Deepak Chopra, David Darling, Steve Shehan, Carlitos Del Poerto, Denis Hamm and Dawn Avery.

Enjoy my interview with Ostad Reza Derakhshani:

Milad Molavi: Who is Reza Derakhsahani?

Reza Derakhshani: A nomad, dangerously in love with creativity.

MM: Where do you live now, and why you are there?

RD: I am based in Tehran for the time being but travel to The US and Europe very often. It's both challenging and inspiring.

MM: Why did you move to the US?

RD: Artistic adventure was one of the stronger reasons.

MM: What does it take to become a painter, musician and performer?

RD: A lot of hard work which gives satisfaction and beauty to a wondering soul. One could try many different things in life but what's important is to do it well and that requires Talent, courage, intense life style and full time involvement with every aspect of what you do.

MM: Many believe in specialization, but you are pursuing many diverse art forms such as: music, painting, graphic design, book illustration, film animation and calligraphy, what is your reason for that?

RD: Some creatures don't get happy with one achievement in life. I enjoy every little success but always looking for more. As an example, after when I started playing instruments, people thought I could become a very respected Tar player but that to me was just one step forward not the goal, even if it could have been a safer place in life. I really believe that it has something to do with the level of creativity and talent in people. There has to be a different kind of drive behind the genes of someone like Leonardo Da Vinci.

MM: You are also composing music for films; for example music for 'Season of Madness' by Oscar nominee Katja Esson, tell us something about this experience.

RD: Not very different. We connected well from the beginning and that always helps, especially if you have to do it long distance. I worked in Tehran and she had picked what she liked because she also knew what she wanted.  

MM: How was working with Persian film maker Bahman Kiarostami by composing music for his films: 'Two Bows' and 'Koffar'?

RD: We definitely had different levels of artistic experiences but we also came across some magical moments that we shared. He has a great natural artistic instinct. The 'Two bows' was a bit different because it was about my work and obviously you get more sensitive when it comes to your own life but I left it to him just to respect an artist's work. 

MM: You have also a video project by Chiara Clemente, what about that?

RD: I did the music for her work, wonderful experience!

MM: What are some of the upcoming projects or events that you have planned in the near future?

RD: Painting is dominating at this point of my life; there will be shows of my work in the fall both in Tehran and abroad. We are also working on some multi media performances involving different aspects of my work: the music, painting and some video. Dates are not clear yet but most probably it will be in NY and London to begin with.

Working on a new album is another exciting future project.

MM: Who are your favorite artists, and who has had the biggest influence on you?

RD: Again it will be a divers list of names. How could one pick between Picasso and Da Vinci or Pink Floyed and Ostad Kasai or Beethoven and Mozart or Rumi and Hafez!! They are all enjoyable and influential. I even have learned from village musicians who express only their feelings.

MM: What is the sweetest memory of your professional life?

RD: The night that I was supposed to be awarded as the winner of the national art competition but I couldn't keep my eyes open and I missed the moment of calling my name. I was only 12 and the sweet memory of that struggle stayed with me for ever.   

RD: I really don't recall a bad reaction to my work but one of the most memorable memories was the reaction to my art and music at my re-entry in Tehran in 2002, after a long period of absence.

MM: What would be a big dream-come-true for you?

RD: An extended creative life with total freedom of expression.

MM: Where is your favorite place to perform?

RD: A night of massive performance at Persepolis with international audience. I have played in many great places but somehow connecting to the history of this land is fascinating to me.

MM: Desert Island, three things, what do you take?

RD: For once it would be fun to be very light, I can sing, paint on the sand and work on my imagination so I don't need to take much with me.

MM: What do you expect from our reader?

RD: An open mind.

MM: We appreciate your taking the time to do this interview with PersianMirror.

RD: My pleasure.