Shiva Pakdel grew up in Abadan, Iran during the 60s. Abadan then, was one of the most liberal cities in Iran, offering a modern western lifestyle within a land filled with history and tradition.

This immersion in and exposure to both eastern and western culture and art, provided Shiva with a great appreciation and enjoyment of both Iranian art, culture, history, and poetry, as well as the art and culture of the west.

In 1976, Shiva moved to United States to study art, and she graduated from Tulsa University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Upon graduation, she moved to San Francisco where she began her career in advertising and marketing.

Never losing her enthusiasm and interest in art, over the past 25 years, Shiva has painted, created collages, produced beaded and silver jewelry, as well as cultivating a fine collection of antique Iranian stamps, artifacts and art.

Shiva lives in Marin County California with her husband and two children.