Meet Hayatulla Haidari

My full name is Hayatullah Haidari, however; I prefer being called Hayat. I am 16 years old and currently live in Griffith NSW Australia. I study in year 10. As for Arts I see myself as a student of Arts in pursuit of learning the art of painting, drawing and in inspiration from nature, its colors and diversity.

After being prized at the library on Congress

            In 2002 I started as a regular student of fine arts learning under the auspices of teacher Hassan Ali Hatif. In 2003, while representing ‘Hunarkada e Koshani’; I along with many other of my fellow students took part in 'The River of Words International Poetry and Art Contest for Youth' on the theme of watersheds. The contest, affiliated with the The Library of Congress Center for the Book and based in the US; is held every year among the youth from the world over. It receives thousands of entries in both Arts and Poetry from different countries of the world. I was a finalist but lady luck wasn’t on my side.

            In 2004, 80 students from our center alone contested for the International Prize and 14 got to the grand final. My painting 'Sadness' stood as the best among 55 other finalists and attained the International Prize. In May of the same year I migrated to Australia and thus, couldn’t attend the certificate distribution ceremony in the US of A.

            In 2006, I 'succeeded in attaining Visa' and got the chance to attend the certificate distribution ceremony held in the The Library of Congress along with the other winners from China and USA. I was awarded with a certificate, Books, Painting Accessories and of course great appreciation. Upon my return to Australia, my achievement was given wide coverage by the local media and press. Among others were MPs and government officials who offered their congratulations and appreciation.

2003 Finalist: 'Peace'	2004 Winner: 'Sadness'

The Echo: How do you feel about your achievement?

Hayat: I feel happy, very happy. It was out of the blue. I never expected a 'win' and I can't stop smiling when I think of what has happened.

The Echo: Who do you credit for your success?

Hayat: My teacher Hassan Ali Hatif and then my family and friends.

The Echo: In what way was your work different from those of other participants?

Hayat: My work was based on Realism. It depicted the truth about the situation at the time. I had tried to express my perspective on the situation and the harsh consequences of war. My work depicts an orphan who has lost all and is in total ruins.

The Echo: Tell us about your experience of visiting the US to receive your certificate?

Hayat: It was a great experience. I stayed there for a week. I visited the River of Words Center, The Library of Congress, The White House and met a lot of different people. It was great to stand among artists from all over the world and it was even greater to be honored as the winner while representing a 'small' corner of the world.

The Echo: Tell us about your interests.

Hayat: I don't have any special interests. In sports my favorites are soccer and tennis. I am a fan of Iranian singers namely Moin and Omed. I have no favorite or ideal personalities.

The Echo: And your favorite among painters?

Hayat: My favorite painter is Italian Van Gogh. His work is mostly on realism. He has painted sceneries and daily life with beautiful colors and lights. His perspective is great.

The Echo: What do you want to do in the future?

Hayat: I want to continue my work, know more about it and do more in it and that's it.

The Echo: What would your message to the youth and in particular to the students be?

Hayat: I send to them my regards and best wishes. The youth especially the students should remember that everything is possible if you try and try at the right time.

Left to Right: Poet Robert Hass - River of Words Judge and Advisor, Hayat, Pamela Michael - River of Words Executive Director, Cindy Kamm