Koorosh Nejad is a painter based in Dulwich.
How long have you lived in the area?
We moved into Dulwich straight from Canada (Calgary Alberta) in the summer of 2017.
What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
We absolutely love the calmness and tranquillity of College Road and the Great Brownings. In a wider circle, we really appreciate the sense of community, respect, and friendship we feel in the Dulwich area.
What one thing would you change?
I’m always wondering how we could do more with what we have. For example, asking myself if we could use Dulwich Picture Gallery, Bell House, and other establishments in SE London to introduce, promote and grow emerging artists. I think we could do more and better with what we have in Dulwich as a community.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
I couldn’t function without my family.
Do you know your neighbours?
Yes, the heat of the summer takes us out to a BBQ together in the communicable areas. The cold of the winter gets us together around the table for a drink and snack with the kids.
Do you belong to any groups?
I am a member of several local groups on Facebook including a few local Dulwich community forums, and a few UK based artist groups.
What’s your favourite place for a night out?
We love all the pubs in Dulwich, but our favourite is the Wood House.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
Going for a family walk to the village and stopping by Gail’s for a breakfast.
Coffee or tea? Where?
I usually meet up with friends in Nero on Lordship Lane or Gails in the village.
The best meal I’ve ever had.
I love the burgers in Meat Liquor on Lordship Lane, gush, the taste is amazing.
The best-kept secret…
I think people would be surprised that all my large format paintings have been painted in our tiny flat in Great Brownings.
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
We love our proximity to several parks around us. We regularly visit Dulwich Park, Crystal Palace Park, and Brockwell Park.
When I want to relax…
Walking in Dulwich Woods is my place when I need to breathe deeply and get inspired. Walking in the woods helps me get lost, get inspired and come back.
What is your favourite shop?
The bookshop on Lordship Lane.
If money was no object:
I am a part-time audiologist, in Lordship Lane Surgery. If money was not an object, I would set up a proper art studio and I would create art full time.
My perfect holiday:
We just came back from visiting Agadir in Morocco. As a family, we love seeing new cultures, so a perfect holiday would be a ticket to a relatively safe culture-rich destination to explore new things, see, learn, and connect.