I am deeply honored to share a recent story published by Portland Community College News.
Stepping back into academia after 25 years of professional filmmaking, animation, and visual effects in Iran was a decision driven by a desire to rebuild my creative life, bridge traditional craftsmanship with digital technology, and pursue my BFA at Portland State University’s Honors College.
This feature reflects more than academic milestones or maintaining a 4.0 GPA; it honors the intense discipline, resilience, and adaptability required to start anew as an immigrant artist.
I am profoundly grateful to my mentors, faculty, and staff at PCC—especially Ben Garcia, Andrea Hendrickson, and the teams at the STEAM Center and Ceramics Department—who provided an environment where my background in VFX and fabrication could thrive. Special thanks to Misty Bouse for capturing this journey so thoughtfully, and to Ric Getter for the brilliant photography.
Above all, I owe this milestone to my wife, Haleh, whose unwavering support and artistic brilliance remain the bedrock of my strength.
Art is my universal language—a bridge across cultures, heritage, and humanity. I look forward to continuing this path as I move deeper into my studies and creative projects at PSU.
📖 Read the full article here: https://www.pcc.edu/news/2026/07/javad-ramazan
