86. Mahasti Mofazali’s creative world of Arts Mag, pastries, and painting
“I feel the more creative students are, the more critically they think.”
Madame Mahasti Mofazali is a legend at the school where I went and now work. She taught me Advanced Placement French and continues to be an innovator in various areas: lesson plans, the school Arts Magazine (Arts Mag), and her macaron business, to name a few!
Having volunteered for the Arts Mag throughout high school, and having been featured a couple of years ago, I realized how fitting it would be to flip the script and interview Mahasti for a change.
Here is our conversation, lightly edited for concision and clarity. We touch on the inclusive ethos behind the Arts Mag; the role of creativity in an engaging lesson; and tips for a perfect macaron.
Rachel: Bonjour Mahasti, comment ça va?
Mahasti: Merci beaucoup, Rachel. Ça va très bien et toi, comment vas-tu?
R: Ça va très bien aussi, merci :)
I first got to know you as my French teacher and leader of the Arts Mag website, which has highlighted student, faculty and alumni artists for many years. Where did you find the inspiration to start Arts Mag?
M: I started running Arts Mag 26 years ago. We had a small group of kids, Mme VR and myself, we did this as our co-curricular activity together with organizing Cav Prom. The goal of Arts Mag was and still is to feature the many talented students and teachers as well as alumni of Collingwood (CW). We also felt that some students are very talented and they may not be in the choir or band or in a school play but we wanted this webzine to be inclusive. We featured talents across all art forms: visual, performing, literary, public speaking etc. We also wanted to follow the graduates of CW to see how they continued to develop their artistic passions beyond CW.
R: I agree, we have many talented artists who don’t necessarily work within any of the art courses or clubs on campus. Many times, I’ve read an Arts Mag article and said to myself, “wow!” It’s always a pleasant surprise to see one of our community member’s hidden talents.
Arts Mag has seen several iterations over the years, with each team of students passing on the torch. Have you noticed any changes in the way Arts Mag is created, or received by the school population?
M: Yes, for one, the platform on which we publish Arts Mag has changed over the last 26 years. I cannot even remember what software we used but I know that it was VERY complicated to use and we would have a student who was adept at technology take on the role of web design. As the years went by, and new software was introduced to the public, it was easier to build the pages and make the webzine more aesthetically pleasing. The look of Arts Mag has also changed and those are decisions made by our creative team. As this is now a student-led project, they make all the decisions about the look and content of Arts Mag.
As for how Arts Mag is received by the school population, I don't think too many students know about this publication as the link is hidden in the depths of the website so we want to make sure that it is visible to all students and their families.
R: Agreed: as a school, we need to publicize Arts Mag more. I will alert our school communications team!
In what other ways have you exercised creativity through your work at school?
M: I try to bring creativity not only in my lessons but I always encourage my students to show creativity, whether it is through projects or writing pieces. I feel the more creative students are, the more critically they think. One example of a grade 11 project I have the students complete is the Pencil versus Camera (inspired by the works of Belgium artist, Ben Heine). I met Ben over 15 years ago and we have developed a wonderful friendship and partnership with the school. You can find some of the student creations on Arts Mag or on Ben’s page.
I also feel that by being creative in my teaching, it prevents me from becoming complacent and this allows me to be passionate about what I teach and how I teach. I have fully embraced the new AI technology and incorporate it into my lessons with Vidu or Lyrics Into Song.
R: That’s fantastic. I agree, creation is the antidote to complacency and passive thinking. There is much satisfaction to be had in trying something new, and having it positively received by students is a bonus. The Pencil versus Camera pictures made me smile!
I also know you have a macaron business on the side, Le Petit Mac. All the treats look beautiful, and so refined – you are an accomplished baker! To what or whom do you credit your passion for baking and cooking?
M: I love baking because it allows me to be creative and then you can devour the edible work of art. I credit my cooking and baking to many chefs such as Pierre Hermé, The Barefoot Contessa, Anna Olson and of course, my mom whose cooking is magnificent, nothing compares to her cooking.
R: Agreed, mom’s cooking is always the best :) I’m impressed at the variety of recipes on your blog, from yakitori to homemade gyros. Your website is practically a full-fledged recipe book.
I am especially taken by the consistency and creative decorations of your macarons. Do you have any tips or tricks for the perfect macaron?
M: Unfortunately I do not. You can make the batter for 3 batches of macarons in 3 different trays and the first tray can break or become lopsided, the second tray will be perfect with feet and the third one, who knows? It is touch and go and EXPENSIVE, that’s why I only make macarons when I am in the mood because it's time consuming and could become frustrating as they are very finicky cookies. The weather is another factor in making the perfect macaron. A humid day will not produce the right macarons. And since it rains A LOT in Vancouver, I try to make these in the summer months when I can spend 4-6 hours in the kitchen. However, I do make other pastries and I have posted the recipes on my food blog.
R: Wow, macarons are tough even for experts – I’m glad to know it’s not just me. Maybe I’ll try again this summer!
Lastly, what are your plans for future artistic ventures? Where can people follow your work?
M: I am now dedicating a lot of time to painting. I used to paint when I was younger and gave that up but I have gone back to it. I created over 30 paintings last summer, all scenery and koi fish. This winter, my husband and I traveled to Maui and I rediscovered my love for the ocean and marine life. I have created a series of 15 Maui themed seascapes and am planning to use these illustrations in a children’s book after which I will donate the paintings to Vancouver aquarium for conservation or to Children’s Hospital. Here are a couple of examples:
People can check my food blog and Le Petit Mac Instagram account for updates.
R: Wait, I didn’t know you painted too! The shading and highlighting on these is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see this series come to fruition.
Thanks again for your time, and for sharing all your skills with your students and the world!
Inspired by Mahasti’s return to painting: what is one of your hidden talents which you’d like to revive? Feel free to share in the comments!