Saeedeh Salimi

About Me

I'm Saeedeh Salimi, a mother, dollmaker, quilt maker, dollmaking instructor, and art educator for children, teenagers, and art facilitators. Over the years, I've also been involved in managing art and literature-based educational programs. I'm captivated by dolls from every corner of the globe. My collection encompasses a rich tapestry of dolls from diverse ethnicities and nations, some handcrafted by me and others acquired during my travels. Through dolls, I've cultivated a sense of peace and harmony with our miniature world, embracing its inhabitants with love and acceptance, regardless of their origins, ethnicity, or differences. The world of dolls is brimming with stories and narratives, tales passed down from generations (oral literature) and those conjured by the minds of creators who embody love, friendship, courage, bravery, and the essence of life.

Teaching Method

In my classes, we embark on a journey through stories and legends, drawing inspiration from the Shahnameh, oral literature, and occasionally elements of Western classical literature. The story is narrated to the aspiring dollmaker, and then we delve into the creation process. Constructing a doll representing the story's protagonist, we adhere to the traditional dollmaking techniques of a particular culture or region. We strive to utilize fabrics and recycled materials, staying true to traditional dollmaking methods as much as possible. The goal of dollmaking is to derive joy from the activity, fostering dexterity, and creativity, expanding the vocabulary of children and teenagers, while also imparting historical, cultural, and geographical knowledge associated with the doll.

Experience

17 years of experience teaching art to children in schools, art schools, and the Doll Museum Experience in dollmaking and puppeteering in the Takbal Theater under the direction of Azar Mobaraki Experience teaching art to children, teenagers, art teachers, and elementary school students in different countries Experience creating storytelling quilts and their accompanying dolls for Parchin Kindergarten, Children and Teenagers Art Academy, Kalam-e-Mehr School, and Chakavak Institute