But you can call me Yellow Bird. Illustrator | Conceptual Thinker | Art Director Patient, bold, and kind; I thrive on new experiences and find freedom in cycling. I have always been fascinated by birds—perhaps because, deep down, I feel like one myself.My artistic journey began in childhood, rooted in the memory of my mother lighting a candle and bringing stories to life through the dancing shadows of her hands against a white wall. Ever since, I have sought to capture those dreams on paper every single day.My mother invited me into this wondrous world, and I have chosen to stay in it forever.
As a child, my mother called me "Mari, my little bird"—a name that has always held a special place in my heart. I have always seen art as a bird, soaring freely through the sky to the farthest reaches of the world. Whenever I create a new piece, I feel that same sense of flight.In the beginning, it was just "Yellow Bird" because I was flying alone. But as beautiful souls with Down syndrome joined this journey, we became "Yellow Birds." Our growing circle is a symbol of our unity, our love, and the beautiful bond we have formed.Yellow is more than just a color to me; it is a shadow that follows me everywhere. It represents energy, joy, and a freshness that resonates with my own spirit."YELLOW BIRDS" is where our shared love, energy, and creativity live, growing stronger and more vibrant with every passing day.
Everything in our world begins with MAZDAK’s lines. As an artist with Down Syndrome, MAZDAK draws the first stroke, and from there, our story unfolds.In our studio, I (MARAL) take fragments of MAZDAK’s intuitive drawings and merge them with my own illustrations. This partnership is a fusion of two worlds: the 46-chromosome and the 47-chromosome perspectives. Together, we create a "New World" where neurodiversity is the core of every character we bring to life.We believe that extraordinary art doesn’t require complex tools; it requires powerful ideas. Using simple materials, we write and illustrate stories that reflect the daily lives and unique worldviews of people with Down Syndrome.This collaborative technique has led to numerous international awards in book illustration and the creation of our award-winning animation, "FILKOOL." For us, MAZDAK’s rhythmic lines are not just art—they are the beginning of everything we do at Yellow Birds Art Studio.
