Saeeda Etebari
Saeeda Etebari is an Afghani jewelry artist. [1][2][3] Etebari had meningitis when she was one, causing her to be deaf.[1][2][3] She joined the Turquoise Mountain Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture and trained in jewelry-making.[2] She was chosen to have an exhibition at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.[2]
Early life
Etebari was born in a Pakistani refugee camp.[2][3] She was the third of nine children[3][2]. When she was only one years old, she developed meningitis.[1][2][3] Meningitis is a disease that, for Etebari, resulted in hearing loss and not being able to speak. [1][2][3] Etebari couldn’t go to school, so her dad founded a deaf school for her to learn.[1][2] Etebari speaks sign language.[3] Etebari signs about the struggle of accepting that she was deaf and mute, but now she thinks of it somewhat as a blessing.[3]
Schooling
After graduating, Etebari’s brother suggested she apply to Turquoise Mountain Institute.[2] At Turquoise Mountain, she studied handmade jewelry design.[1][2][3] Etebari’s talents were noticed there, as she excelled in her work.[3] Etebari considers being deaf a blessing for her, for when she goes to work on jewelry, the loud noises of tools don’t affect her concentration.[3]
Smithsonian Exhibition
Etebari was chosen with Abdul Matin Malekzadah and Sughra Hussainy, to have an exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum. [2] Etebari’s work is inspired by the culture of where she grew up in Afghanistan.[4] One of Etebari’s more famous pieces is an emerald and gold necklace that she designed with British jeweler Pippa Small.[2] This piece was displayed at the Smithsonian.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "BBC 100 Women 2021: Who is on the list this year?". BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59514598.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 "Afghan Artisans Coming to Washington, D.C., To Demonstrate Their Crafts and Creativity in Vibrant Exhibition - Smithsonian Institution Press release | LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 "Afghan jeweler overcomes adversity to create world-class art". CGTN America. 2016-03-27. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
- ↑ Etebari, Saeeda. "Saeeda Etebari". LinkedIn.