Born in 1944, Fatemeh Zarif (Khansari) started her artistic career in childhood. She learned the basic principles of art from her mother, and later began scientific studies of different branches of art by herself. She is now a well-known figure in miniature drawing, designing, painting, sculpture, doll-making, embossing and decorating. Being a designer for about 40 years, Zarif uses her imagination to draw her works.

She has experience in custom- designing, decorating and stage-designing. She believes that the basis of every kind of art is designing. "A successful design will lead to the creation of a successful work," Zarif believes. In an exclusive interview with the TEHRAN TIMES, Zarif elaborated on her activities. "After receiving my diploma, I was granted permission to establish an art institute.

Since I had various artistic skills, I began to teach art in schools. Later, because I had to raise my children, I stopped teaching at school and transferred my workshop to my home. Along with the responsibilities I shouldered for my family, I followed my artistic career. Although I did not attend any art school, I never stopped studying and doing research in art.

Whatever I know, I learned through books and magazines. For many years, my family and I resided in different Iranian cities. This helped me become familiar with different cultures and arts. Everywhere, I found new work. I tried to learn new styles and artistic techniques. In my opinion, it is not right to spend too much time on an artistic work.

The important thing is to show the art to the audience. Sometimes, it takes one year for an engraver to create a piece of work; but I believe that by using material softer than metal, one can create the same thing in one week. Time and speed are important. Using techniques which save time is important. I am always looking for techniques which speed up the creation of an art work.

Asked about her first artistic work, Zarif said, "My first work was needlework. Later, I began to do watercolor and oil-painting, and create works on metal and wood. Currently, I am working on candles. Asked to define art, Zarif said, "Without art, life has no color. Without art, the entire world is colorless. Art and the artist are essential for human life.

An artist should not use art in order to earn money. It is better to earn money through a skill rather than through art. I never sold my works. There are several other ways through which one can make a living. Touching on the styles she employs in painting, she referred to Surrealism, Expressionism, Impressionism and Realism. I usually use Realism in drawing portraits.

Asked under what conditions art is created, Zarif said, "Artists have particular spiritual characteristics. Certain artists can create a work when they are happy; certain others can create a work when they are sad. Sometimes, financial motivations lead a person to create a work of art. Zarif has participated in several exhibitions in Iran in painting, handicrafts and graphics. She further expressed her dissatisfaction over the status of women in the entire world: "Despite the high capabilities and potentials of women, due attention is not paid them in the world.

Women possess a strong spiritual power. Women are more patient and resistant than men." Zarif further elaborated on the judgement of juries at various artistic contests held in Iran. "During my 20 years' experience in art, I have found that the judgement of the jury is not on the basis of particular principles and rules; this is very harmful to art.

In an art contest, the jury should be familiar with the works presented, know the techniques employed by the artists, and understand the difficulties in creating the work. Judging a work of art is a very difficult task, which cannot be carried out by anyone. She criticized juries in certain contests held in the country. "Sometimes, the members of the jury do not even look at the art work carefully.

They only want to know the name of its creator, the artist's teacher or master, and the institution where the artist has studied." Zarif emphasized that experience is more important than knowledge in creating a work of art. Sometimes, even the holder of a doctorate in painting is not able to draw a portrait. So, the jury should pay attention to the work itself, not the name and record of its creator.

Elaborating on the activities of women in society, Zarif said that there is no limitation for women to carry out activities in society. Although women face certain problems, through relentless effort they can overcome them. Women can make optimal use of their powers. Woman is able to do everything. This requires a resolute will, self-belief and self confidence.