Ghazel

Founder + Lead Instructor

Born in Iran, raised in the Netherlands, and living in Montreal - Ghazel brings a European sensibility to her work as an artist and educator, blending the rich traditions of European culture with contemporary, forward-thinking approaches.

With a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the renowned Gerrit Rietveld Academie, and an MFA from Sandberg Instituut, Ghazel has cultivated a deep understanding of both creative expression and the educational process.

Drawing inspiration from her own artistic practice as a innovative teacher Ghazel encourages students to embrace experimentation, play, and curiosity in their artistic journeys.

She believes that art should push boundaries and challenge conventions, and she encourages her students to explore the unexpected and take risks.

Her approach is also deeply influenced by Montessori principles, focusing on fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking in a supportive environment.

In her classes, students are given the freedom to explore materials and ideas at their own pace, while she guides them with thoughtful, open-ended questions rather than prescriptive instruction.

At Studio Ghazel, she combines these philosophies to create a dynamic and collaborative learning space where children can fully engage with the creative process. Her classes focus on nurturing self-expression, problem-solving, and the development of technical skills, but always with an emphasis on exploration and joy.

Ghazel's belief is that every child has their own unique voice, and she sees her role as an educator to help kids discover and amplify it.

Having taught in Amsterdam, Vancouver and Montreal, Ghazel brings an international perspective to her teaching, informed by her time working across cultural and artistic landscapes. Her European and global experiences are central to her philosophy, as she believes in the importance of diverse perspectives and cultural sensitivity in both art and education.

In all her classes, whether guiding young children or more advanced students, Ghazel creates an environment where creativity can happen, is celebrated, and students are encouraged to question, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the process of making art.