Unleashing Creativity: The Easy Artist Spotlight Series — Sarira Merikhi
Welcome to “Unleashing Creativity: The Easy Artist Spotlight Series — Sarira Merikhi,” where we embark on an enchanting journey into the world of art and creativity. In this series, we dive deep into the artistic process of Sarira Merikhi, a talented and emerging artist whose work captivates and inspires.
Through this series, we explore the creative journey of Sarira Merikhi, uncovering the stories, inspirations, and techniques that have shaped their remarkable artistry. From the challenges they have faced to the triumphs they have celebrated, we peel back the layers of Sarira Merikhi’s artistic world, inviting you to discover the essence of their unique talent and the profound impact it has on the artistic landscape.
Our aim is to ignite the spark of creativity within you, encouraging you to explore your own artistic endeavors and embrace the beauty of self-expression. Together, let us embark on this captivating journey, fasten your seatbelt, open your mind to new possibilities, and immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of Sarira Merikhi and the magical creations they bring to life.
Join us as we celebrate the artistry, talent, and boundless creativity of Sarira Merikhi, and let their work inspire and spark your own artistic journey.
Artist bio
My name is Sarira Merikhi and I was born in Tehran on August 8, 1999. I pursued my passion for graphics and graduated with a degree in the same from Al-Zahra University. My artwork was recognized early in my career when I won the Kharazmi Festival Award in 2015, earning the distinction of being first in Tehran and securing second place nationally.
My accolades continued in 2017, when I was chosen as a winner at the prestigious Fajr Festival in the Judges’ Selection section. That same year, my work was also celebrated at the Visual Arts Festival.
In addition to these recognitions, I’ve had the honor of selling some of my pieces to well-respected gallery owners such as Mr. Reza Olia in Florida. My work has also found homes in galleries across Sweden.
How did you become a digital artist, what was your journey to creating your work as NFTs?
From my earliest memories, my father has been a significant inspiration in my artistic journey. He imparted valuable knowledge about art that continues to guide me today. However, my foray into digital painting began in my teenage years and transitioned into a professional pursuit during my college years, which continues to the present day.
My exploration into the world of NFTs began roughly a year and a half ago. A friend introduced me to this innovative space and I was captivated by the uniqueness of the 1/1 art pieces showcased on NFT platforms. This discovery was a source of immense inspiration, triggering a rush of thousands of new ideas for my work in this realm.
Talk a little about your art style, tools you use, techniques behind your artistic expression. Do you see yourself crossing over to other artistic styles or mediums in the future?
I have a profound appreciation for traditional art forms, particularly those hailing from Iran and the Middle East. While lithography originated in Europe, it underwent a significant transformation upon its arrival in Iran nearly three centuries ago. Iranians reshaped this art form, imbuing it with their unique methodologies.
Personally, I have a strong affinity for pop art, with Andy Warhol being a significant influence. His vibrant color palettes deeply resonate with me, and I often incorporate them into my designs. Essentially, my style is a digital reinterpretation of lithography, merging traditional Iranian lithography with pop art aesthetics.
My current tools of the trade include an iPad and Procreate software. I’m also honing my skills in 3D art. As a graphic designer, my experience spans from logo design to animation. I find great fulfillment in my current style and aim to continue refining it.
What themes or ideas do you explore in your digital or NFT art, and what messages do you hope to convey to your audience? How do you use technology to enhance or transform your artistic vision, and what role do you see technology playing in the future of art?
That’s a fantastic question. What makes my work intriguing is always the narrative behind it. My creations aren’t solely about aesthetic appeal — each one is rooted in a story that inspires me. I delve deep into the story, read extensively about it, and then intertwine it with elements from my surroundings.
I consider myself a storyteller. I’ve drawn inspiration from influential women in history, Iranian mythological tales like the Shahnameh, and more. Recently, I’ve begun crafting a fictional story that borrows from various cultures, and this has led to the creation of a new character. When someone takes an interest in my stories or my character, it’s extremely gratifying. It not only shows their appreciation for narratives but also confirms that I’ve managed to create an engaging story. I hope my audience takes the time to learn about the stories behind my work.
Regarding my outlook on the future of art: looking long-term, I’m confident that a significant portion of art will transition to the Web 3 space. This is an inevitable shift, and those who are hesitant might later regret not joining this evolution sooner.
How do you engage with your audience and build a community around your work, and what impact do you hope your art has on your collectors?
Since my entry into the NFT space, I’ve interacted with exponentially more people than I ever have in my physical life. I’ve seen many come and go, but as someone committed to the long-term, I focus on maintaining strong relationships with those in my core community, as our mindsets align closely.
Engaging with people in this space is a two-way street. Given the higher ratio of artists to collectors, I prioritize interacting with fellow artists. I’m also cautious when selecting my collectors due to the varying personalities and preferences; if they don’t resonate with me, forced engagement can lead to neglect, which isn’t ideal.
One significant impact I’ve made is exposing many individuals to the cultural narratives of my home country. They have engaged with my stories and gained insights into my culture, and each acknowledgement of this broadened perspective signifies a personal victory. Another key objective for me is ensuring that my collectors, through my consistent effort and dedication in this realm, can reap profits from my works in the secondary market. In essence, I want them to feel confident in investing in me.
If you had the power to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive NFT-powered virtual art gallery, what kind of innovative experiences would you design for your visitors? How would it change the way people interact with art?
In my assessment, the present state of galleries within the Metaverse leaves much to be desired in terms of impact and effectiveness. This view stems from the understanding that even the most splendidly curated gallery in the Metaverse may not necessarily attract the attention it merits.
Art collectors, fellow artists, and enthusiasts typically are drawn to more traditional, established platforms for their art exploration. These platforms offer comprehensive artist portfolios and biographies, granting a deeper insight into the artist’s journey, inspirations, and body of work. This in-depth information often enriches the viewer’s experience and understanding, fostering a deeper connection with the art they’re viewing.
Contrarily, virtual galleries in the Metaverse, while novel and immersive, may lack these critical narrative elements that are integral to the appreciation and understanding of art. So, in the current scenario, even if you possess the finest Metaverse gallery, it doesn’t guarantee the level of engagement one might expect.
This observation is not to undermine the potential of the Metaverse. As the platform evolves, we could witness a shift in how individuals interact with art within this space, potentially blending the best of both worlds — the depth of traditional platforms and the immersive, interactive capabilities of the Metaverse.
