Shirin Donia, Art and creative work have always been a part of me

What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (Events, feelings, experiences...)

Art and creative work have always been a part of me. Growing up in an unconventional, international family, I was surrounded by paint pots, brushes and canvases as a child. So there was never a specific time when I decided to become an artist. The decision to make art my profession was a kind of logical consequence that came from my love for art and my desire to express my passion in my profession.

What is your artistic background, what techniques and themes have you experimented with so far?

I started with drawings. Then as a teenager I painted abstract for a while to get a feel for the colors. Later I combined both techniques, first almost photo-realistically with oil paints and then with quick strokes with acrylic paints. I also experimented with mixed media collages for a while. Today I combine all techniques. The templates of my artworks are created nowadays mainly digitally, meanwhile they are based on AI. The background or canvas I first work with mixed media materials, the main subject I paint with acrylic paints and the details then in oil paints.

What 4 aspects differentiate you from other artists and make your work unique?

1. By mixing different materials and techniques, I create a unique texture and visual depth in my artwork.
2. I emphasize the artistic message of my works by using dominant typographic elements that draw the viewer's eye to the core of the message.
3. My artworks are mainly portraits of beautiful women, which I use as a symbol of inner beauty.
4. My artworks always convey positive, aesthetic and life-affirming messages that are meant to inspire and encourage the viewer.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration can come from a variety of sources - sometimes it comes from conversations with friends or family, sometimes from nature, or from books I read. But at the core, my inspiration is always beauty. When I see beauty in the world around me, I feel inspired to incorporate that beauty into my art and share it with others.

What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?

I want to create art that makes people happy, triggers a good feeling when looking at it, and puts a smile on the viewer's face. I often emphasize this with words or phrases and often name the entire series with a positive statement already. An example of this are my series with names like "GOOD VIBES" or "SUPERPOWER". One of my newer series is called "I AM RICH..." and emphasizes through its subtitles like "in love, hope, blessings, happiness, health, money, peace" the feeling of prosperity in different areas of life.

What is the process of creation of your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparation process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?

The process of creating my works begins with the development of my muse, who will be the main subject. I design this person digitally and choose a fictional person who radiates inner and outer beauty for me. Then I start designing the canvas by applying several layers of different materials. I then roughly paint the person's face on the canvas and later work on it in more and more detail. Finally, if necessary, I add other mixed media elements and choose a word or text that I write on the painting and thus underline my artistic statement.

Are there innovative aspects to your work? Can you tell us which ones?

There are unique aspects in my work, which include a mixture of classical painting and abstract, almost rock elements through material application. At the same time, I pay a lot of attention to a high aesthetic standard, which is reinforced by the message of the artwork and is intended to trigger a kind of empowerment in the viewer. I can't say if this is innovative, but it is definitely unique.

Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop, or in your own workshop? And how do you organize your creative work in this space?

I work in a beautiful studio that is flooded with sunlight and is only about 3 minutes from my home. There I can fully concentrate on my creative work and let my works emerge.

Does your work take you traveling to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?

I enjoy traveling privately, however, nowadays, due to the high demand and international online sales of my artworks, it is not essential to travel physically to meet new collectors or to participate in fairs and exhibitions. The digital possibilities of the art market allow me to reach new clients and sell my works worldwide. Nevertheless, I value personal contact with collectors and exchanges with other artists very much and like to take the opportunity to participate in exhibitions and events when the opportunity arises.

How do you envision your work and career as an artist developing in the future?

I am in the fortunate position that the demand for my artwork is higher than what I can create on my own. That is why I am currently working on expanding my team. My goal is to be able to hand off more and more backend tasks so I can focus more on creative work. I want to create so much positive art that it is accessible to anyone who wants it. For this reason, the topic of art prints is also of great importance to me. I want my art and the good vibes I put into my work to not only be accessible to a small elite group of collectors, but to be able to bring joy to everyone through art in their lives.

What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?

Currently I am working on two very different series in parallel. One is called SELFMADE and is characterized by a slightly bolder feel, with strong visual contrasts, lots of black and white, occasional gold or neon accents, and dominant typography. The other series is titled THE FUTURE IS NOW and is very colorful, floral and playful. It is my first series entirely inspired by previously made AI-based designs.

If you could have created a famous work of art history, which one would you choose? And why?

I don't know. BUT I once painted a version of the Mona Lisa that was made especially for a building of the same name and was 4 by 6 meters.

If you could invite a famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?

I would invite American artist Ashley Longshore because she is the most profound yet silliest artist I know. It's a great combination that's just fun! Life is already serious enough, from my point of view art doesn't have to be serious too - at least not exclusively.