We caught up with LA-based painter Suren Nersisyan who chatted to us about settling into LA after his recent move from his home country, Armenia.
If you've not yet discovered Suren's work, you're in for a treat! Explore his shop to find landscapes and still life paintings created with thick oil paint and colourful watercolour paintings of animals and birds.
Discover what Suren had to say about studying Fine Art in Armenia and why he feels the universe is the greatest artist of all time. Plus enjoy Suren's sale for a limited time only and discover what else Suren had to say...
On becoming an artist
"I began drawing and painting at the age of three, and have continued to do so ever since. When I was a child, my parents always encouraged me try new things. I played piano, played sports and rode horses but nothing could attract me more than sitting in front of a blank surface with some brushes and paint what was on my mind.
I loved to observe the sky, water, nature and light and explore the power of perspective. I've always been a believer that visual objects have the power to make humans feel beauty, joy and harmony.
There are too many problems and negative things in this world and within the media. The expansion and development of technology has made our lives more comfortable but there is a real beauty in nature. I feel we as humans should always remember this.
If we want to be happy we should feel and value the beauty of harmony. We are lucky to listen to music through our ears and see shapes and colour through our eyes, both of these things allow us to experience joy and beauty.
No matter what I paint, whether it be a simple bird or a large landscape... I always try to express the life, motion and energy that comes from nature."
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On becoming an artist
"I think there are lots of ways to describe an artist. Some artists try to explore the problems of the world, while others try to express their inner world and individual struggles. Some show us their fantasies and other their philosophies. I personally try to express what I see.
I am mostly inspired by nature. Not only all things natural such as trees, sky and mountains but also cities, streets, and humans. I create my works based on inspiration, harmony and the energy I feel."
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On the studio
"Sometimes I like to work outside in the open air and other times I like to work in my studio. When I was living in my home country of Armenia, I used to paint in a very big studio.
I am relatively new to the US and therefore I am still in search for a permanent studio. I don't however need a specific location or space to work in. I can sketch on streets or sit in my room and quite happily paint for days."
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On Inspiration
"As mentioned nature, deserts, human faces, small birds, animals and everything in between can inspire me. Inspiration is a very unpredictable thing for me. I think of my creative life as something that is constantly evolving.
I can be inspired by some simple vegetables and old jugs and captivated by the dramatic contrast of their colours."
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On challenges
"Once in a while, I do get creative blocks. Sometimes I have really long painting sessions. Afterwards I really feel that I need to have a break and build my energy back up, before starting again. Other people meditate, I paint or draw.
At times, I feel as though I'm emitting the positive energy from nature through my paintings. When I feel this sensation, I can feel drained as though I have travelled somewhere and hugged trees in wild mountains or gone to the noisiest [city(/cityscapes). These feelings help me to produce my best works.
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On other artists
"It is amazing that humans have been creating beautiful images since the stone age. Every history has its own philosophy. I don't have a favourite movement or period in history because to be honest I think the best artist is the universe. The universe makes us all feel beauty and life!
I think that both Kandinsky or Rafael are great, strong and powerful artists."
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On role models
"Hmmm... Maybe Vincent Van Gogh because of his honesty to nature, or maybe Leonardo because of his endless intellectualism in painting.
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On life
"I studied an MA in Fine Art in my home country, Armenia. I have been taught by many popular academic masters. A really important thing they told me is to not make another artist your 'god', don't follow in their footsteps and ignore philosophies that do not reflect your thinking.
I do however respect every artist's perspective no matter what, whether it is primitivism or surrealism. Difference of opinion makes the art world more vivid and diverse."
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On Artfinder
"For me Artfinder is a liberal place to create artworks and find people who value what I do, which contrasts to many galleries, I am free here from 'rules' and 'regulations' of markets.
The majority of art galleries tell you what to do and how to do it. It is not in my nature to just repeat the same style, compositions and subjects over and over. No matter what, but I am an artist who changes and who tries to be honest with feelings. Being part of the Artfinder community allows me to change my style, be experimental or sometimes to remain very traditional without any pressure to be someone I am not."
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On the future
"I am trying to exhibit in New York and Florida next year, but every time I try to plan something it sells before the exhibition happens! I think Artfinder helps me to think more about painting than shows."
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Advice for other artists
"No matter what kind of artist you are, whether you design things for companies, work for small galleries or have work in a museum in a big city - you should always remember that art can do a lot. Art can change peoples minds and educate them.
There is only one rule for me, and that is that art is for people. And no matter what you create if it is beneficial for people and society, you are on the right path."
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