Painting
Shahla combines her early Mid-Eastern upbringing with her Western knowledge to create a dynamic fusion of sculpture forms. Her sculptures emphasize fluid grace with free flowing and on occasions abstract yet true to form. Her stylistic tools include the hues and luminosity of the medium itself, whether it is alabaster, marble, clay or bronze.
Shehla's portfolio includes several major public arts.
In 2000 the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association commissioned her to create a memorial dedicated to the Fallen and Living Firefighters of Oklahoma titled: "Just Another Day".
In 2003, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation awarded her the I-40 Bridge Memorial titled: "Going Home". This memorial honors the lives of 14 victims and 5 survivors of the I-40 Bridge collapse tragedy.
Her latest public art project "They Gave Their Full Measure of Devotion" was dedicated on October 13, 2017. This 6 feet, 2 inches (life size) bronze sculpture represents men and women of the Oklahoma City Fire Department and it also honors the firefighters lost in line of duty.
The INSPIRATION
The artworks are direct result of Shahla’s life experience and her constant search for a new way to remain hopeful among midst of chaos and turmoil. Her bright and bold color paintings remind us of rainbows that appear after the rain. While the subtle curve lines of her sculptures bring a sense of calm and thoughtfulness. Her artworks embody a serene and peaceful state of mind.
EDUCATION
Master of Arts, Oklahoma City University Bachelor of Arts
University of Central Oklahoma
OTHER ARTWORKS :
"Primal Chaos I and II", Oklahoma City University Permanent Collection, Okla City, OK, 2016
Dance Company", Oklahoma City University Permanent Collection, Oklahoma City, OK, 2016
Rainbow", Oklahoma State University Art Museum Permanent Collection, Stillwater, OK, 2014
“Bust of Rev. Dick Allen”, First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, Okla. City, Ok, 2009
“Purple Hibiscus”, Oklahoma City University Permanent Collection, Oklahoma City, Ok, 2008
Bust of Chief Justice Joseph Watt”, Oklahoma City, OK, 2003
“Tree of Knowledge”, First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, OK, 2005
“Underground Science”, Justice Alma Wilson Seeworth Academy. Edmond, OK, 2001
“Eternal Flame", Oklahoma State Firefighters Memorial, Oklahoma City, OK, 2000
“Under the Ocean”, Justice Alma Wilson Seeworth Academy. , Edmond, OK, 2000
“Tortoise family”, Justice Alma Wilson Seeworth Academy. Edmond, OK, 2000
“Oklahoma City Fire Firefighters Memorial, Oklahoma City, OK, 1997
“Hands of Time”, Justice Alma Wilson Seeworth Academy. Edmond, OK, 1997
“Tortoise Family”, Arbuckle Wilderness, Arbuckle, OK, 1997
EXHIBITIONS
Art Share LA, Los Angeles, CA 2021
30 x 30 Public Art Show, Palm Springs Museum of Arts, 2019
Individual Artist of Oklahoma, Okla. City, OK, 2007
ndividual Artist of Oklahoma, Okla. City, OK, 2007
Festival of the Arts, Okla. City, OK, 1995-1997, 2003
Sculpture in the Park, Loveland, Colorado, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002
Dodson Art Gallery, Okla. City, OK, 2002
Art in Miniature, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK, 2000-2001
Pickard Art Gallery, Okla. City, OK, 1994-2001
Oklahoma Sculpture Society Exhibition, Okla. City, OK, 1998-1999
Oklahoma Centerfold, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Chickasha, OK, 1997
Art Foundation, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 1997
Herr Chambliss Art Gallery, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 1996
Norick Art Center, Oklahoma City University, Okla. City, OK, 1994
Kirkpatrick Museum, Okla. City, OK, 1994
Central Museum of Art, University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK, 1994
North American Sculpture Exhibition, Golden, Colorado, 1992
Eureka Springs Sculpture Show, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 1992
One in a Hundred, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK, 1990