“One of the characteristics of Iranian art is unity in plurality. A lot of details with vivid colours, traditional illustration methods, and art from around the nation were and continue to be a source of inspiration for my works.”
And talking about his own personal artistic journey, Reza recalls being influenced by the books he read as a child – often acquired from his local library, where he also embarked on his first artistic endeavours with vigour. “When I was six years old, my mother registered me in the city library which doubled as a cultural centre. The majority of my childhood was spent taking classes in art in that complex. I think that since then, my life and dreams of creation and knowledge were influenced by a safe space for children with lots of colourful books. When I got older, I chose to study graphic art and design, and then illustration at the graduate level.
“My childhood was inspired by fascinating books such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni and Kveta Pacovska. For hours I was mesmerised by attractive images that allowed me to live in those inspired dream worlds they created.
“Fortunately, the people in my life always understood me and encouraged my ambition to work in children’s works of art. Family, friends and teachers all gave me energy that I should continue and become a great artist one day.”
That initial exposure, and the
Reza Dalvand.
enthusiasm it instilled in Reza never left him and he embarked on art as a profession. “I decided to go to a dedicated art university in Isfahan and continued to complete a Masters in illustration from Tehran University where I now teach. “Additionally, I served as the art director of several big publications for many years, but I see myself predominantly as a children’s book writer and illustrator. Over the past decade I have worked with many major publications in the world and presented my books at many exhibitions from Asia to Europe. The creative process of producing picture books gives me the necessary energy to live and be inspired.” And Reza explains the process of his work, saying that when he is creating his books the words and pictures “evolve in me together. However, illustration
seems to be where my ability shines the strongest. When I write a text myself, as I write the story, I draw a sketch for each part of the text. Therefore, even when I write a text it is one and the same with the illustrations in the creative process of producing a picture book. This method is very enjoyable and fun for me, because I know what kind of image will be created for each of these words I put on paper. “When I illustrate the work of another author, I try to be faithful to the text and add something more to the book than the picture, such as side characters and spaces that are not mentioned in the text. I try to create a world full of discovery and search so that my audience can immerse themselves in the book for a few minutes and enjoy it.”
So, what comes next for Reza? Again, it is a children’s book that has global themes – this time focusing on celebrations. He says: “I am very excited about my newest book. It is an exciting, colourful and festive book that was recently released in France and will be unveiled soon for an international audience! This book is called Une année de fêtes, or A year of festivities, and is published by Les Arènes. This book introduces the audience to celebrations and festivals from around the world and takes them along a journey of finding similarities and commonalities across cultures, religions and peoples.” PEN&INC.
l I Have the Right by Reza Dalvand is published in the UK by Scribble Kids Books. Available now as a picture book for children three years and above. Hardback £12.99.
Autumn-Winter 2023
PEN&INC. 21
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