Artist Highlight: Pasha Moezzi

Craft Ontario is proud to highlight the craftsmanship and artistry of Pasha Moezzi, a jewellery artist residing in Toronto. He obtained his Fine Arts diploma from Langara College (Vancouver) and later completed his BFA in Design Arts at Concordia University (Montreal).

His true passion for jewellery emerged while working at his father’s furniture-making workshop, where he made jewellery out of scrap metal. He then pursued goldsmith training at George Brown College where he graduated from the Jewellery Arts program in 2015.

Pasha’s work has a unique style influenced by industrial shapes and architectural forms, which is very evident in both his one-of-a-kind work and his production lines. He has won several awards and competitions and has had solo and group exhibitions in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Tehran. Pasha was accepted as an Artist-in-Residence at Harbourfront Centre in 2015 and was a resident there for 3 years. He currently has his own studio in Toronto’s east end where he creates his production and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Continue reading below for Pasha's reflections on his career thus far, inspirations, and how he stays connected to his community while working as an artist. 

Click here to see Pasha Moezzi's work available on the Online Shop!

A pivotal moment in my career as an artist was my first experience with professional jewellery making. I took a course with the Iranian sculpture grand master Parviz Tanavoli in Iran and it was the first time I was introduced to jewellery in a sculptural way, as opposed to its opulent and luxurious category it usually is presented in. It turned a massive light bulb in my head that jewellery is not necessary about precious metals and gems but it could be a superb design that represents the same concept of something precious and special.

Now I work with a range of metals. Since some of my first experiences with metal was with brass at my father's furniture making workshop, I have a very soft spot for brass but in all honesty gold is my absolute favorite to work with, gold is very pleasurable and a forgiving metal to fabricate with.

 Image Details: Ai2, 5.3cm x 3.1 cm x 1.8 cm, Sterling silver, 18k yellow gold, Sapphire, emerald, tourmaline, opal, antique watch face/ mechanism, Photo Credit: Michael Molinaro

As much as I am fascinated by nature, man-made structures and specifically deco-industrial forms and objects really pique my interest. My goal is to make work that could function as both objects to be appreciated on their own as well as adornments for your body, objects that could adorn both living spaces and bodies. My latest collection of robots is a great example of that! The robots are precious little sculptures that could also accompany you to social events.

Image Details: Lion robot, 5cm x 4cmx 2.8 cm, Sterling silver, oxidized silver, plexi rod, Photo Credit: Nicholas Hyatt

Being community-oriented, I try to stay connected with my peers and expand my network with every opportunity possible. My participation with the MetalAid team for the past 7 years has given me many opportunities to stay active with the jewellery community through organizing socials, facilitating artists' interviews, and keeping myself up-to-date with the happenings of the broader community to navigate my role within the team. 

Having taught at George Brown College in the same program I received my training has significantly helped with staying connected. Being in an educational environment surrounded by eager students and passionate colleagues is absolutely rewarding in the sense that I am constantly being inspired via access to an enormous amount of knowledge and information, while expanding my network of artist-peers everyday.

I do try to engage with my audience via social media but - as we all have experienced this, especially these past few years - the social media world can become quite draining and often toxic. Going forward I am trying to put more energy into strong, real-world connections, while maintaining a presence online. 

Make sure to visit Pasha's booth at TOAF, the Online Shop or head over to the Craft Ontario Shop at 1106 Queen St W to check out Pasha Moezzi's Featured work!