Ellie Shafiei
Interview by Jimon
1. One word to describe Ellie Shafiei? Solid
2. Where do you currently live and create? I live in LA and my studio is in Korea Town.
3. What is your state of mind when creating? When I create, I think about my hometown and my childhood in Iran, especially the places we used to visit during holidays with my family.
4. There is a lot of vulnerability in being an artist, is it worth it? Yes, being an artist can feel vulnerable, but its worth it for the chance to express themselves and share their feelings with others.
5. Do you think that overall, some kind of infatuation is essential to making good art? Not necessarily. While some artists may find inspiration in infatuation, others draw from various emotions and experiences to create good art. Different feelings can lead to diverse and meaningful expressions.
6. When does a work of art become important in your opinion? Do you need external confirmation, or is it something explicitly personal? A work of art becomes important when it means something to me personally. External confirmation can matter, but the connection I feel with art is what makes it truly significant.
7. Did you ever doubt that you were an artist? Yes, sometimes!
8. Do your paintings tell a story? Yes, my paintings tell a story. Each one shares a part of my experiences and emotions, like a visual diary of moments and feelings.
9. Pablo Picasso once said “the chief enemy of creativity is good taste.” Would you agree with that? Yes, I agree with that. Picasso’s idea suggests that sticking too closely to what’s considered “good taste” might limit creativity. Being open to different, unconventional ideas can foster more creative expression.
10. Do you think making money changes artist’s art? Yes, making money can change an artist’s art. The need for income may influence choices, but it depends on the artist and their values. Some stay true to their vision, while others may adapt to market demands.
11. Your first experience with art as a child? As a child, I copied Vincent van Gogh’s painting, “Sunflowers.” It was a joyful way for me to express myself.
12. What book/film/work of art most recently captured your attention and why? The documentary “Made You Look” recently caught my attention. I found it interesting because it explores the world of art forgery and deception. The twists and turns in the story kept me engaged, and I enjoyed learning about the challenges in the art industry.
13. The future is __Complicated_______.
14. What influences you as an artist? As an artist, my influences come from everyday life, nature, and emotions. I find inspiration in personal experiences.
15. You have unlimited money to buy one piece of art what would it be? Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
16. Did you have any training for art or is it inherent? I studied art studio during high school and continued with a Bachelor of Arts at UC Davis.
17. How would you like to be seen as an artist years from now? I hope to be remembered as an artist who captured the essence of life and emotions through my work. I aim to inspire others to see the beauty in the ordinary and the depth in the simple moments. My goal is not just to create visually appealing pieces, but to evoke a sense of connection and reflection. Years from now, I aspire for my art to be a testament to the human experience, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter it.
18. Do you have a place/person/thing that you visit for inspiration? Yes, my main sources of inspiration are my hometown and my parents.
19. If you could have dinner with 3 artists living/dead who would be at your table? Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Jean-Michel Basquiat
20. Name three things you can’t live without in your studio? Cigarette, Music, Paint
21. How would someone find you on social media? Ellieshafiei_studio on Instagram
22. Please name the first thing that comes to your mind while reading the following:
Art= Connection
Food= essential
Sports= Enjoyment of competition
Politics= Ridiculous
Poor= Slavery
God= Doesn’t exist
Rich= Ego
Luxury= Fake
Sex= human reproduction and intimacy
Picasso= Cubism
Religion= War