Ferdos Maleki, abstract artist and teacher of insight meditation, was born on the Caspian Coast of Iran and raised by her grandmother. Her grandmother was guided her to the intoxicating words of Hafez and Rumi, and as a young child she brought those stories to life in her paintings. Her travels to some of the most spiritual countries in the world, such as, China, India, Thailand, Turkey and many European countries helped shape her as a spiritual-centered persona. By combining the elements of spirituality and mysticism with warm and vibrant colors has made her paintings a unique medium for spiritual messages. Ferdos began teaching insight meditation in 1999. Her teachings are based on providing access to an inner field of consciousness, which is, by definition, transcendental or simply beyond the average daily experiences of most people. This ancient practice reduces anxiety and stress and creates tranquility and peace of mind. Ferdos studied sociology at the National University of Iran before immigrating to the United States in 1984. She continued her education in California studying fashion, art and painting. She has been teaching at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) since 2000.