Shiva Drawing

I find the visionary works of classical masters of the Renaissance and Baroque Era as major influences for my artistic style, mannerism, and subject matter. I am constantly fascinated by the use of coded language and symbolism in art and painting to communicate complicated concepts, ideologies, emotions, and mythology (Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Tibetan, Hindu). I believe that the divine speaks to us in metaphors, and as such, find refuge in expressing my understanding and experiences of the divine through symbolism. Although the subject matter of my works does not abide by reality and the laws of physics, my style in rendering is nevertheless grounded in realistic figuration, much like the surrealists and visionary artists of the past. I initiate my artistic endeavors with an instinctive urge to express intricate spiritual subjects with their underlying concepts and emotions according to my perception and understanding of reality, and layer my work with realistic depictions of the protagonists and the surreal mythical atmosphere to render it more comprehensible. I do not restrict my palette to a specific range of colors, as life is limitless, and art is an immaculate reflection of life through an individualized lens. My works are evidences of cathartic experimentation. I specifically enjoy ornamental symbols and patterns introduced in the works of the great masters, and as such, have discovered an interesting use of the 7th letter of the Armenian alphabet “Է” in my works.