Experiences
Steve Jobs famously reflected on a pivotal moment in his education that shaped modern computing:
"If I had never dropped in on that single calligraphy course... the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts."
He understood that true innovation often happens at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts. In the high-velocity environment of the Bay Area tech sector, stepping away from the screen to engage in analog, disciplined creativity is essential for maintaining perspective and focus.
This program, conducted by award-winning artist and calligrapher, Arash Shirinbab, brings diverse team members together and is designed to do two things simultaneously:
Expand the "Tech Mind": Like coding, calligraphy requires rigorous structure, pattern recognition, and precise execution. Yet, it is also deeply meditative. For engineers, designers, product managers, and other team members this workshop offers a rare opportunity to practice "slow design," improving spatial awareness and offering a mental break that can refresh approaches to complex problem-solving and product challenges.
Foster Inclusive Connection: This program provides a sophisticated platform for belonging initiatives. It allows diverse teams to connect authentically through a shared, accessible art form that celebrates the rich heritage of many diverse employees in the Bay Area.
The Workshop Experience (90 Minutes)
The workshop experience (90 Minutes) is a turnkey event suitable for all skill levels and there's no need to know Arabic or Persian to enjoy this event.
The Design Principles: A brief, engaging look at the history of Arabic/Persian scripts and their influence on design.
Live Master Demonstration: Watching the rhythm and deliberate strokes of professional calligraphy on a large scale.
Hands-on Practice & Keepsake: Participants pick up a traditional bamboo pen (qalam) to try basic strokes, and I conclude by writing each attendee’s name in elegant script as a personalized memento for their desk.
Arash's past collaborations include:
Companies: Google Inc., Square Inc.
Museums and Galleries: Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), Triton Museum in Santa Clara, Red Poppy Art House Gallery in SF
Libraries: San Francisco Public Library, Oakland Public Library, Fremont Public Library
Institutions: UC Berkeley, Stanford University, Berkeley City College, Graduate Theological Union, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Walter & Elise Haas Foundation
About the artist
Arash Shirinbab is an award-winning artist residing in San Francisco Bay Area whose work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions, including more than 12 solo shows, spanning the US, Spain, France, Poland, Italy, Canada, Russia, Japan, Thailand, India, and Iran. Highlights include prestigious venues like the San Diego Museum of Art's Artists Guild and Triton Museum of Art in California, Associazione Culturale Day One in Italy, Kunsthaus-Berlin-Marbella Museum in Spain, and Saadabad Palace in Tehran.
Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti, painting, ceramics, digital art, and installations. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran.
