Daily Inspiration: Meet Parnaz Edrakiyan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Parnaz Edrakiyan.

Hi Parnaz, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a self-taught artist originally from Iran, immigrated to the US about 12 years ago. Since my childhood as far as I can remember I have been painting most of the time, and my little world was defined by color, then I continued my path until I grew up and my paintings were always paid attention to, and I participated in some school art exhibitions back home, then after immigration and marriage ether was a huge gap even for 10 years I did not paint much.

But then I started painting and creating art a few years ago again, and I participated in one festival in Aurora (my first exhibition in the US) which was a very new and exciting experience for me, there was the place where my artworks were recognized by some of local nonprofit business owners, to whom I got connected and one of them had a small shop in Denver, so I was able to exhibit my paintings there since then, and now I continue my passion even very busy with my two little kids.

However, they are very interested in my path so we all participate in most Denver art festivals and events, especially at Ruby’s Market in S Pearl St. Now art is part of my life a relief and refuge that I cannot separate myself from it since it gives me the energy to continue and makes my life full of joy and color. I also have my Instagram page at @artandcerationbyparnaz which keeps me very busy posting my artwork for all my dear followers, I also have a small online shop at Esty called @Parrstore.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not, first of all, back home it was very difficult to participate in art exhibitions, like everything else was complicated there, and there was a period of war when I was a teenager that always impacted my feelings towards art and color.

Also, no good internet access made it hard for online showing of my art online, but it passed and here in the US, many paths opened to me and my art but selling art is challenging, there are restrictions still for me, but I am pursuing that hopefully as a small business one day.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Always try to participate in small local exhibitions there is a place to get familiar with more professional artists and local business owners.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @artandcreationbyparnaz
• Etsy: @parrStore