# 148. Still life "Gifts of Autumn". Print

Hello! My name is Sadriddin S. Mukhiddinov and I am an artist. Born and spent my active adult years in Kazakhstan, I spent my mature years working in Uzbekistan, and now enjoy life in the United States. My creative story began in the late 50s with a sixth birthday present from my mother - a magical set of watercolors that opened the door to the world of art. At school, I was the kid who created drawings for school holidays, and later my artistic abilities were duly appreciated during my military service. When I worked as a design engineer at a mechanical engineering enterprise, cooperation with a group of artists gave me the opportunity to learn from professionals' understanding of drawing and painting. One day, in 1977, at a regional exhibition, my art installation took second place, despite my lack of art education. I studied and received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology at the Polytechnic Institute in Tashkent in 1981. Then I completed my studies in economics at the University of Economics in Almaty in 1987. After a career in engineering and in senior positions in local and high government, banking and education, I finally retired. This phase of life opened up new opportunities for me. Moving to New York and then North Carolina allowed me to fully immerse myself in the world of painting, opening up new horizons and inspiration. I paint with oil, watercolor and oil pastel, creating both stunning landscapes and abstract paintings of the universe. Painting en plein air is one of my favorite activities, where I naturally connect with nature, enriching myself with beauty, inspiration and energy. I enjoy visiting museums and galleries first and foremost in every city I visit. My studio is a place for creative enjoyment, where I invent new techniques and tools for painting, constantly improving my skills. In October 2020, at Columbia University in New York, I took part with my paintings in the Exhibition of National Art of Representatives of the Uzbek Diaspora Living in New York. In June 2023, I exhibited in Philadelphia with a group of artists of Uzbek origin living in the United States. I am a member of the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Creative Union of Artists of the Republic of Uzbekistan. My goal is not just to create works of art, but also to convey through them my love for life and nature created by the Almighty.