Sculpting a New Path: Minou Rabiei’s Artistic Journey

In this interview with Highland Hills resident Minou Rabiei, we uncover a lesser-known facet of her life. Minou is a talented artist who has recently rekindled her passion for sculpting. With a background in engineering, she has embraced this fulfilling and deeply personal pursuit. Let’s delve deeper into her journey.
 
Who are your family members:
Husband, Vamegh, and sons, Shayan (22) and Novian (13)
 
How long have you lived in your neighborhood?
We moved to this wonderful neighborhood from North Dakota about 2.5 years ago.
 
Where did you go to school? Major/Degrees?
I pursued my studies in engineering and earned my BSc degree in mining engineering from Iran. Then, I moved to the UK to study for my MSc degree in advanced information technology. Finally, I got a prestigious scholarship from a university in Australia to earn my Ph.D. in applied statistics. I am currently a full-time professor of petroleum engineering, where I continue to engage in academic research and teaching.
 
Tell us about your hobby/business.
When life slowed down a little during the COVID pandemic, and I found myself with more free time, I began exploring an old interest in sculpting. Specifically, I became fascinated with bas-relief. My engineering background, which requires precision and attention to detail, naturally lent itself to this art form.
 
Bas-relief is a technique that creates depth and dimension by using varying levels of relief to convey different planes while still working on a flat surface. Bas-relief has been used for centuries in various cultures and art forms. From ancient Egyptian carvings and Greek murals to ancient Persian masterpieces, bas-relief has a rich history that spans multiple eras and continents. Various materials, such as stone, wood, metal, plaster, and clay, are used in bas-relief sculpting. I mostly use plaster in my pieces as its versatility allows me to create different textures and finishes, enhancing the visual and tactile experience of the artwork.
 
How did you get involved in this activity?
I have always had an interest in art, but it was not until the pandemic that I truly found the time to explore it. During those months at home, I decided to start creating bas-relief artwork as a way to relax and express my creativity. What began as a hobby soon grew into a serious passion, and I now spend hours late at night crafting intricate pieces inspired by nature, Persian miniatures, and the beauty of everyday objects. My family, especially my sons, are incredibly supportive, encouraging me to take it further by starting an online business to share my work with others. In 2023, I started considering selling my art and launched my Instagram account @Lady.in.Relief and website ladyinrelief.com. My goal is to grow this into a full-time business while continuing to enjoy the creative process.
 
Is this what you do for a living, or is it more of a hobby?
This is more of a passion project than a full-time business, though I hope to turn it into one eventually. I still work full-time as an engineering professor, but my art has become an important creative outlet I enjoy pursuing in my free time. Sharing my work through social media and my website has been rewarding, and I look forward to growing it in the future.

Is this something you do on your own, or do you have others that work with you?
I create all the pieces myself. The process is very personal for me, and it is a form of meditation that I can get lost in for hours. However, my sons are always close by and have become my trusted critics and biggest supporters. Even my 13-year-old son provides insightful feedback on my work, which is both heartwarming and helpful. Their encouragement keeps me going, and they inspire me to continue creating.
 
What are some highlights you’ve experienced?
One of my highlights has been watching my art grow from something I did purely for myself to something I can share with others. Creating the illusion of depth in my pieces while working within the constraints of a flat surface requires great technical skill and attention to detail, making the creation process intellectually engaging and creatively satisfying. Launching my Instagram account and creating a website in 2023 was a big milestone. Additionally, the positive feedback I have received from friends, family, and even strangers who have discovered my work online has been incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing how my sons take pride in my art has also been special. They tell me they find it inspiring to see me so passionate about what I do, and that has made the whole journey even more meaningful.
 
What is your favorite part about living in your neighborhood?
One of the things I love most about living in this neighborhood is the safe and peaceful environment and the close-knit community. It is the perfect setting for my creative work and raising a family. The area's serenity makes it a wonderful place to live and create, and having this opportunity to share my art with my fellow neighbors through this magazine is amazing.