Downhearted Saqiz engineer becomes famed woodcarver
Navid Mashayakhi, from the Kurdish city of Saqiz, Iran, has been a woodcarver for 15 years. He has exhibited his work across the country, and in the Kurdistan Region.
Navid previously worked as engineer, but knew the field wasn't for him.
"My soul was on the verge of ruin day after day," Navid says.
After a visit to a local woodcarver, he made a bold career move.
"There was a [carving] teacher named Dolatkha, one day I went to his workplace while he was working. I was really interested in his work, to the point that after two days I realized I had to quit my job," he explains.
Navid's carving material of choice is walnut, a softer and easier wood to work with than other kinds. He adds very little enhancement to his work, using just grease to gloss and clarify the carvings.
While most of Navid's pieces are portraits or animal figurines, he also creates more unusual, bespoke works.
Woodcarving is becoming a Mashayakhi family affair, with Navid's brother Nima assisting and learning from his work.
The pieces are a hit with tourists and local customers, allowing Navid and Nima to provide for their family.
Navid previously worked as engineer, but knew the field wasn't for him.
"My soul was on the verge of ruin day after day," Navid says.
After a visit to a local woodcarver, he made a bold career move.
"There was a [carving] teacher named Dolatkha, one day I went to his workplace while he was working. I was really interested in his work, to the point that after two days I realized I had to quit my job," he explains.
Navid's carving material of choice is walnut, a softer and easier wood to work with than other kinds. He adds very little enhancement to his work, using just grease to gloss and clarify the carvings.
While most of Navid's pieces are portraits or animal figurines, he also creates more unusual, bespoke works.
Woodcarving is becoming a Mashayakhi family affair, with Navid's brother Nima assisting and learning from his work.
The pieces are a hit with tourists and local customers, allowing Navid and Nima to provide for their family.