Meet Salameh Ghaderi | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Salameh Ghaderi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi salameh, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Consistency, curiosity, and the courage to start over saved my life, and shaped who I am as an artist.

During my battle with cancer, even when doctors warned me not to work with clay or chemicals because of my weak immune system, I would sneak into my studio whenever I could. Creating through the pain of chemotherapy gave me strength when everything else felt out of control.

Pottery and painting became my healing language. Every bowl, every brushstroke was a small act of survival and hope.

Art taught me resilience. Cancer taught me gratitude.

If my work can give even one person hope, then every hard moment was worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Iranian artist, and I’ve been living in the U.S. for about three years now. There are two things I’m especially proud of. First, all of my art carries a touch of my culture and the beautiful nature of the country where I grew up. And second, I’ve taught myself everything I know—I’m completely self-taught, and I’ve never said no to any order or challenge that’s come my way.

I remember the very first time someone asked me to create a large oil painting on canvas. I didn’t even know what oil paint was at the time! But I did tons of research, stayed up late into the night learning how to use the materials, and in the end, I nailed it—so much so that she ordered five more pieces from me. I love pushing myself and taking on new challenges, even when it’s hard.

The journey hasn’t been easy—and it still isn’t. Being new here, it’s often difficult to find the materials I used to work with back in Iran. Even finding something simple can take me weeks of searching and learning. But I’ve never given up. I’m also glad to share that I’ve started teaching pottery and painting classes at my home studio for both kids and adults. It’s a relaxed, friendly space where people can slow down, have fun, and create something meaningful.

After surviving cancer—a time when even my doctors and family weren’t sure I’d make it—I’ve come to see how valuable life really is. I try to make the most of every single minute. Starting over with my art in a country where I don’t speak the language fluently and where the culture is so different has been incredibly challenging. But after three years, I finally feel like I’m on the right path.

It’s still hard, but I believe in what I’m doing. I’ve learned that life is about trying, falling down, getting up again, and holding onto hope. I trust in the journey, and I believe in the bright future ahead of me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I’m still new to the area, having a friend visit would be the perfect chance to explore together. We’d definitely start with a visit to Westside Market in Midtown Atlanta, where I have my art and pottery booth—it’s such a creative and inspiring space.

For food, I’d take them to Rumi’s Kitchen in Avalon and Delbar in Inman Park—both are amazing Iranian restaurants that remind me of home and offer delicious, authentic dishes.

We’d also visit Autrey Mill Nature Preserve for a peaceful walk in nature and check out the Johns Creek Arts Center for some local art inspiration. I may not know every hidden gem yet, but I’m excited to keep discovering and sharing what I love about this area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible people who have supported and believed in me from the very beginning. First and foremost, my family—my dad and my mom—have always been my biggest supporters. They’ve believed in me through every step of this journey, and their encouragement has meant the world. My sisters have always stood by my side, cheering me on, and I especially want to thank my older sister, Hosna. She gave me the space to begin—literally! She let me start my pottery and even set up my kiln in her garage when I had nowhere else to go. That kind of support is something I’ll never forget.

And of course, my little 4-year-old boy, Dastan—he’s truly my tiniest (and biggest!) fan. Every time he sees one of my paintings, he’s the first to say, “Woo, Mommy, I love it!” He even bought me some sparkles to add to my artwork because he thought it should be shinier. His sweet encouragement and pure love keep me inspired every single day.

I’m also deeply grateful to Pastor Kevin Elseroad, who gave me the chance to show my work at our church and connected me with others in the art world. And to my dear friend Gillian, who shared her booth with me at the farmers market and helped me grow—thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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