Sameh Khalatbari

Born in Iran in 1980, my childhood was a captivating blend of wonder and challenges, with the echoes of the Iran-Iraq war providing the backdrop to my early years. Amidst the darkness of those nights, my memories were filled with vibrant color. During that time, drawing from covers of chewing gums became my sole source of artistic expression, leading me to a mysterious world of dreams.

Immersed in the rich symbols of Iranian painting and their profound connections to art and literature, my passion for artistic expression deepened with each passing day. This profound connection compelled me to further explore the realms of art and literature, driving me to complete a complementary course in arts at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage of Iran, where I nurtured my creative potential and honed my skills.

With a lifelong fascination for storytelling and illustration, I pursued my passion by obtaining a master's degree in children's book illustration, graduating from university in 2013. For my master's thesis, I immersed myself in the enchanting world of "Effect of Folk Tale’s Fantasy on Illustration," garnering high praise and recognition from the esteemed jury. This academic journey has fueled my creative spirit and inspired me to craft captivating visual narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages.

After graduation, I was honored with a genius visa as an "Alien of extraordinary ability Artist," which led me to make California my new home. Here, I embarked on my first professional illustration project with "The Wisdom of Yaqui the Bear," a captivating children's book comprising twenty educational stories, which the author self-published. 

Illustrating for children has always been a cherished dream of mine, and I am grateful to witness my passion and talent converge in bringing enchanting tales to life through art. Each stroke of my brush is dedicated to sparking the imaginations of young minds and leaving a lasting impression on their hearts, as I continue to weave my artistic journey with colors and creativity.