Mona Shahani
“… Scented fern and agrimony;
Forest full of essences
Fit for fairy presences,
Peppermint and sassafras,
Sweet fern, mint and vernal grass…”
Let me take you today into the world of Persian artist Mona Shahani who lives in Heidelberg. This is a very beautiful world full of wildflowers, forests, greenery, interesting creative methods, long walks… and coffee.
When I first saw Mona's works, I was struck by their tenderness, softness, yet brightness and originality at the same time. At that moment, I thought her technique resembled watercolor, but still not quite watercolor. Imagine my surprise when I learned about the technique and paint used... and they are created with exquisite natural paint, the paint created by nature - floral pigment.
I won't go into details now and tell you about the technique because I asked Mona a few questions, one of which was precisely about how she creates her works, so as you view the photos, you'll be able to read interesting details about Mona and her creativity.
Before creating today's portrait "A Day in the Life of an Artist," we met with Mona several times - strolling through the city, along the beautiful streets of Neuenheim (which is undoubtedly the most beautiful district of Heidelberg), drinking coffee, and talking a lot. And when we decided to make a small photo story of one day in her life, it was important for me to show her as she is: filled with creativity, dreamy, sensual, soft, and at the same time strong and determined.
So welcome to Mona's beautiful botanical world.
When did you feel that you wanted to become an artist, and how (or with what) did your creative journey begin?
I've always loved colors and imagination since my childhood. My world feels like a blank canvas, ready to be filled with creative magic. I studied painting and architecture, blending these two fields to help me show the beauty of life. I have gained a lot of experience on this path and, like all artists, have made many trial and errors. However, being on this journey has always been and continues to be a pleasure for me.
On the way from Café Ly to an incredibly beautiful places…a waterfall, forest and flowers awaited us ahead…
…and here we are
Did you start your artistic way with the botanical direction right away, or did it come a bit later? And who (or what) inspires you?
I began my artistic journey with painting, a passion I've had since childhood. During my studies and afterward, I worked with various materials besides painting and printmaking, such as glass, wood, thread, and fabric. For a while, I also designed jewelry and accessories.
I've always loved nature and plants and have been inspired by them in my work. After immigrating to Heidelberg, I spent a lot of time exploring the city, taking long walks, and photographing my surroundings. I found myself constantly drawn to nature and the forest. To embrace this passion, I started collecting plants that caught my eye and used them for botanical monoprinting, flat lays, and hammered print.
What is your favorite flower or plant and if there is a reason why you love exactly them?
I absolutely love nature and all flowers and trees, but wild and native plants capture my attention the most. Wildflowers inspire me because they embody freedom and strength. They let their souls be spread by the wind, growing wild and free, tall and brave, in places where dreams and longings come alive. Even in the cracks of brokenness, wildflowers bloom, making everything beautiful. That's why I love them.
Tell a little about the technique you work in and why you chose it.
I use several artistic techniques to create unique botanical art. One of the technique is botanical monoprinting, where I press and dry plants, coat them in ink, and use them to create detailed prints on paper. This process emphasizes the unique, singular nature of each piece.
Here you can see the final result of the botanical monoprinting
Another method is hammered flower print, where I arrange flowers and leaves on fabric or paper and hammer them to transfer their pigments, resulting in beautiful prints. Lastly, I create botanical flat lays by arranging plant materials on a surface and photographing them from above, highlighting their natural beauty and textures. These techniques allow me to craft distinctive and captivating botanical artworks.
Where can your works be purchased?
My website will be ready soon, and people will be able to buy my works from it. I will also be collaborating with a few art shops in Heidelberg shortly.
What do you dream about (or maybe it’s not a dream but a clear goal)?
My goal is to paint a vivid picture of the world as I see it, despite the fast pace of modern life. Through my botanical prints, flat lays, photos, and paintings, I aim to give people a unique perspective that captures the beauty and essence of existence. Ultimately, like other artists, my dream is to have the studio I've always imagined and to hold multiple solo exhibitions around the world.
Your five favorite songs (besides songs, this can be any melody, classical music, the sound of the forest, rain, birds singing, etc.).
I usually listen to English and sometimes French love and soft music, especially from the 80s and 90s. I also have many favorite songs in Persian. Additionally, I enjoy instrumental covers of famous songs from around the world. Sometimes, I listen to nature sounds; it's like meditation for me while working. Here are five of my favorite songs, but honestly, it was really hard to choose:
1. "Ode to My Family" - The Cranberries
2. "Castle of Loneliness (Ghaleye Tanhaee)" - Faramarz Aslani
3. "Shape of My Heart" - Sting
4. "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" - Backstreet Boys
5. "Je veux" - Zaz
So guys, thank you for being with us!
To discover Mona’s artworks, you can visit her Instagram: @monartology
Ps If you find yourself in Heidelberg's Old City near the theater and want to drink some nice coffee and eat a delicious snack, welcome to Café Ly (it’s not advertising, we just really enjoyed the coffee there :) ).