Mitra Samimi–Urich is a Vermont-based multidisciplinary artist and poet. She works across various mediums, creating pieces in acrylic and ink on linen, often blending her poetry into her paintings through a modern interpretation of Persian calligraphy. Her style moves between realism, abstraction, and surrealism, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and cultural connection.

She was born in Tehran, Iran. After spending her early childhood there, her family permanently relocated to the ancient city of Isfahan when she was eight years old. Known for its rich art, architecture, music, and literature, Isfahan, landscaped with historic domes, rivers, tree-lined streets, and lush Persian gardens—provided a deeply enriching environment that nurtured her passion for the arts.

At age 17, she attended the Art School of Isfahan, where she studied art and architectural design. Following the Iranian regime change, Mitra moved to the United States and continued her education at the University of Massachusetts.

After completing her studies, she began teaching architectural design at Hall Institute of Technology in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Over the next five years, she worked as a designer for several respected architectural firms. In 2001, Mitra founded her own design studio (www.mitradesigns.com). Her architectural background is evident in her artwork, where the principles of shape, form, color and scale flow seamlessly, giving her work a strong visual presence.

Over the past ten years, she has reduced her design business to focus more fully on her art. During this time, she has developed a diverse body of work ranging from paintings to contemporary mixed-media pieces that incorporate poetry, Persian calligraphy, detailed ink work, and three-dimensional elements.

Mitra enjoys spending time with her family and takes pride in her daughter’s natural talent in filmmaking (Joonam Film) and the arts (Sierra Urich). She is also a passionate gardener who finds inspiration in nature and the outdoors, which deeply influence both her visual art and poetry.

Artist Statement

Most of my art carries a philosophical undertone, often inspired by personal and emotional experiences rooted in childhood memories, nature, and present day life. I enjoy writing poetry and sometimes incorporate it into my work through Persian calligraphy. I am inherently drawn to creating art that connects me with nature, placing me in a peaceful and meditative state.

While much of my work reflects a quest for deeper awareness of the inner self and consciousness, other pieces serve as a way to make sense of our complex social systems and address the contradictions within our culture and society. Having grown up in Iran, a predominantly male-dominated society, often oppressive for women, my art has become a space where I can express my thoughts and frustrations and hope surrounding issues of womanhood and humanity as a whole.

I have never felt comfortable with conformity. Much like life, art is not linear for me - it moves, changes, and evolves. As my life experiences shift, so does my art and the visual language I use to express it. Art is a process of personal and social transformation, and through that transformation, I hope to make a positive impact on others.

Artist Style & Medium

As a multidisciplinary visual artist, I enjoy challenging myself with the possibilities that different styles and mediums offer. While I primarily work with acrylic and ink, I often incorporate other materials such as watercolor, pastels, pencil, pen, and marker, sometimes blending several in a single piece.

In my mixed-media work, I have used beeswax, natural dyes, old book pages, photographs, stamps, newspaper, and fabric to create specific visual and textural effects. I frequently incorporate detailed ink work, as it allows me to express mood with greater depth and intensity.

I prefer not to limit myself to a single style. Some pieces call for realism, while others lean toward abstraction or surrealism. At times, I combine multiple stylistic concepts within one work to evoke and challenge both the spirit and the mind.

Poetry and Persian Calligraphy Art

I have a deep passion for poetry and calligraphy, as they connect me to the soul of my Persian heritage. In my work, I often bring these elements together. Sometimes poetry emerges first and inspires the visual form; other times, the artwork leads and the poetry follows. Through calligraphy, the two become intertwined, where language and image merge into one expression.

I am drawn to the freedom of expressive calligraphy, which allows for fluidity in line and movement. Some pieces call for simplicity, while others require more intricate, traditional forms. I find the gestural quality of Persian calligraphy to be both deeply poetic and powerfully expressive.