Mohammad Tabesh

What Program did you graduate from and when? 

Sculpture & Installation, 2020 

What is your current title or role? (e.g. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.) 

Mixed Media Artist 

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U? 

It’s a funny story. I was working full-time in engineering at the time and on the side, I did a lot of self-taught photography. I felt that I needed to have a better understanding of art. I wanted to take a history course and when I contacted some universities, they all suggested enrolling in order to take the courses I was interested in. One thing led to another and I ended up completing a degree at OCAD U. OCAD U offered flexibility in terms of time because I was working full-time while in school.  

Please briefly describe your current job/practice. 

I studied as an engineer before I got into Art. I have 10+ years of engineering experience but I was tired of working for corporate. I started at OCAD U to find out what it is that I like to do. Currently, I am setting up a ceramic studio in my home and hoping to be a full-time artist.  Having a science and engineering background has made me very analytical and I use these analytical and logical ways of thinking in order to create artworks. 

How did you get started in your career?  

I had two options: Doctor or Engineer. I really enjoy engineering. It’s very similar to art and design in the sense that you have to create and design something new. Engineering is very functional, however, I don’t like the atmosphere of sitting in a cubicle. Since graduating, I’ve had a solo show based on my thesis work and a group show in Montreal. 

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work? 

I worked full-time until my final year of studies. I did a 5th year and focused only on my studies during that time. I worked 16 hours a day on my thesis, so there was no opportunity for me to think about internships of volunteering. 

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work? 

A lot of my work has a narrative in it. I enjoy storytelling. My work is very personal and has dialogue and I enjoy this process. 

Not having access to studios and people right now is a challenge. These challenging times are imposed on everyone right now. In terms of artistic challenges – I'm always storytelling and sometimes my work is abstract – a challenge is in telling stories through objects without being there to explain the meaning behind them.  

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently? 

Creative and critical thinking. Techniques can be learned on YouTube and other platforms. OCAD U was important because I received feedback from peers and professors and this allowed me to start to think critically about my own work, which was valuable. 

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?  

It’s important to be involved in the art scene, see other people’s work and conduct research. Networking with other artists is the most important thing right now.  

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years? 

To be an Independent Artist and work on my own. I’m hoping to teach at some point. To no longer work in a cubicle.