Salma Arastu works to create harmony by expressing the universality of humanity through her paintings, sculpture, and calligraphy. Inspired by the imagery, sculpture, and writings of her Indian heritage and Islamic spirituality, she uses her artistic voice to break down the barriers that divide in order to foster peace and understanding. At birth, she was given the life-defining challenge of a left hand without fingers. Seeing the unity of an all-encompassing God, she was able to transcend the barriers often set-forth in the traditions of religion, culture and the cultural perceptions of handicaps. Her personal triumphs have been defined and shaped by the simple principle of faith in The Divine, as the compelling force which has guided her life and work.

Salma’s works are greatly influenced by my studies and experiences in different cultures around the world. After graduating in Fine Arts from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India, she lived and worked in Iran and Kuwait, where she was exposed to a wealth of Islamic arts and Arabic calligraphy. Calligraphy, miniatures, and the folk art of Islam and the Hindu tradition continue to influence her work today.

My most recent series, “Celebration of Calligraphy”, seeks to enlighten and awaken the spiritual connection of all human beings through the lyrical and fluid imagery of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic patterns. Another series entitled “We Are All One” reinforces the scientific concept of the ‘chain of life,’ with each species depending on another and together maintaining the balance of life on Earth.

As a visual artist she has had almost 40 solo shows nationally and internationally, and has won several prestigious awards including the East Bay Community’s Fund for Artists and the City of Berkeley’s Individual Artist Grant Award. She has public art pieces on display in Bethlehem Pennsylvania and San Diego, California, and has also written and published five books.