Mercede Sheybani
she/her
San Francisco, CA, USA
Born in Iran, I am currently pursuing my MFA degree in Jewelry Design and Metal Art at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. My artistic journey is driven by a deep commitment to storytelling that sheds light on humanitarian issues and their impact on immigration. Drawing inspiration from both personal experiences and real-life stories in my surroundings, my works capture the essence of these narratives. Guided by my emotions, they reflect a personal narrative resonating with the complex human experiences within these themes.
“As an immigrant, I have a passion for sharing the plight of those people whose journeys compromise their humanity. My works tells real stories with all emotion they entail.”
How does your work relate to the theme transformation— How does the work translate joy into strength?
"This ring, shaped like a suitcase, is all about transformation, especially through immigration. It represents the personal journey each immigrant takes, leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown. When the ring opens, the word “freedom” comes out, showing that for these immigrants, the journey is a transformation toward their ultimate goal and aspiration."
"Overweight Suitcase", Silver, 2"x2", 2023
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“Overweight Suitcase ring that echoes the tales of migration and the journey of LGBTQ+ souls in search of the freedom to express their true selves. Just like the weight within the ring symbolizes the stages of parting from familiar landscapes, LGBTQ+ individuals also bear their unique challenges. This ring pays tribute to their courage, understanding that true freedom means letting go of societal expectations and embracing a path of self-discovery with bravery. In many countries, people make the difficult choice to immigrate for safety, facing the hardships of forging a new life.”
How does your work relate to the theme transformation— How does the work translate joy into strength?
""By transforming the gun, an object often associated with violence and dominance, into a piece of jewelry, I aim to provoke thought and dialogue about the transformative power of women. The gun shape serves as a metaphorical representation of the strength and impact women can have in reshaping societies and dismantling systems of oppression.
Through this necklace, I hope to amplify the voices and stories of Iranian women who have been instrumental in leading the revolution."
"Women Life Freedom", Silver, bronze, wood, 6"x3", 2023Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“This piece is transformative; it could be a necklace, a ring, and the gun smoke could be a bracelet.”
