Nina Rastgar, Columbia, SC, USA

Nina was born in 1988 and raised in northern Iran, among the Gilaki-speaking natives of Gilanprovince, a region known for its rich traditions in agriculture and craft. Due to the region’s fertile soil and favorable climate, agriculture has long been a vital occupation, particularly for women. Nina pursued a bachelor's in agricultural engineering. She also attended a college of Fine Arts, where her interests expanded to garden and landscape design, and she pursued part-time work in Iran and Canada. Currently, Nina is a third-year MFA student and Graduate Assistant at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, specializing in Studio Art since 2022. As a Presidential Fellow, their research Focuses on exploring the conceptual strength of living through art. Nina teaches Introduction to Jewelry at McMaster College of Visual Arts and Design in Columbia, SC. With seven years of teaching experience, their focus lies in wax carving and wearable sculpture, primarily working with Steel,...