darvish Fakhr
I met darvish a few years ago as a fellow yoga student at YITL’s and as regular attendees of their yearly retreats. When away on retreat, within a busy schedule of classes and workshops we would often have one ‘night out’ during the week. I remember clearly one year how people were very confused about us as we did not look like the typical group for a night out in Ibiza, a mixture of ages, high on our intensive yoga practice and freshly made friendships. But mainly they were mesmerised with how darvish took the dance floor!
I am inspired by his disciplined approach and commitment to the way he works. Both in his movement practice and in his art, making them one…he brings it together seamlessly. Read on to learn more and follow his instagram to see for yourself…
Photo by @mrhughfox
Please introduce yourself, and what it is you so wonderfully do:
darvish (with a small ‘d’) Fakhr. My first name means ‘humble’ in Farsi. My last name means ‘pride’. I am still working it out.
What is your ideal way to start the day?
To get into the studio early and get a layer of paint on the canvas.
Do you have any daily rituals/ routines? Morning and/or night?
I paint in the morning. I stop at 11. I turn the easel to face the wall. I then do movement work for 3 hours. At the end of the day I turn the easel back around and finish the painting. If I‘ve had a good movement session, the painting is easy to finish. Because I can see things with more clarity.
Do you have any practices or remedies to stay healthy, both in body and mind?
My movement practice involves a lot of hanging upside down and bouncing about on elastics. I employ unorthodox hearing arts, like cutting off blood flow and breath retention.
When you need to get out of town, where in nature do you like to escape to?
My balcony.
How do you like to spend your nights and or/weekends?
Saturday mornings I make pancakes. It’s the only thing I am good at cooking...but they are the real deal!
How do you unwind, re-centre and find balance?
In upside down I trust.
What is your favourite way to exercise?
I let the music dictate the actions. I employ a lot of wave motions which enable me to become aware of areas in my body that need to open. I invent tools in my studio for opening up, such as lying around on balls and poking bed posts that I drill into the furniture.
Your favourite place to get dinner?
My wife is the best chef in town, I prefer to stay at home.
In what ways do you work to find balance in your life?
I try to allow my art to overlap into my life, so there is no separation. That way it all feels creative and healthy. When this seems impossible I go out on my balcony and dance.
What/where/who do you turn to when you need inspiration?
The sea
Photo by @mrhughfox
How would you describe your style? What & who influences you?
It’s a cross between Rembrandt and hip hop. I’m a clusterfuck and try not to get involved with describing my style...I don’t want to carry that weight.
What is your definition of beauty?
The sea
Do you have any additional ways that you care for your mind, body & spirit?
I try and do Bikram yoga at least once a week.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
Music
Current favourite…
Book- The Red Balloon
Movie- My life as a Dog
Song- Slow by Leonard Cohen
Clothing item- Sufi hats
Coffee shop- Bison Bar
Despite the current events and our time in isolation is there anything you are working towards/ what are your future visions?
I’m working on an exhibition in collaboration with @mrhughfox, called “Lightness of Being”.
Where can we find you? Follow you?
Photo by @mrhughfox
17.09.20