last night

My wonderful friend invited me to a lecture with her and I was taken by suprise to have the honor of seeing the art of and speaking to Ahmed Fadaam, who is also a figurative sculptor like myself. He works as a journalist for the New York Times and because his life was threatened by extremists, he fled Baghdad . Muslim extremists consider figurative sculptors to be infidels.

It was really interesting to hear what he had to say. He was like the sculptors I've met here. We all seek the company of other sculptors because we're a little different.

http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid:265440



He said before noone dared speak freely and everyone knew what was acceptable and what would get you severely punished. In Baghdad today everyone now has the freedom to say whatever they want, but it might get them killed.

 

I've been invited to visit the university where Ahmed has been granted a studio to sculpt a life sized version of a maquette he created -I believe it is of women in robes mourning the loss of their husband/father. I think (hope) he wants to teach me.

I feel overwhelmed with joy.

 

Thank you, Rax! You're very kind.

 

It happened. Woohoo!

http://kimiam.wordpress.com/

 

Thanks, Throney. <3

 

Wow, Mani, thanks. It's a privilege to be your friend.

Debic, thank you! you're sweet.

 

I'll always remember you guys, silly. Chances of a woman becoming a famous sculptor are slim to none, though.

 

Very kind of you, Debic.

 

Symen, Thank you. That means a lot to me.