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"In an Ideal World" originally painted with acrylics on a wood canvas |
We had the pleasure of picking Nima Khabiri's brain about the art that she creates. It is like nothing else I've seen. I find her use of humor and creativity inspiring and knowing Nima, I can tell that she paints with her own style.A couple of fun facts about Nima: She loves Cats and anything to do with bacon. I'd have to say, I am right alongside her on that! She has an awesome taste in music and loves to paint. She frequents local art shows in boston and also offers her work through etsy and artvenue and runs her own blog.
We hope you enjoy the interview!
Dave: Happy Monday Nims! I remember, about 2 years ago, we would have been going to an indie-show in Allston, on a Monday, while never skipping a late night kitchen dance party. The good old days...
Nima: If I could relive a segment of my life, this may be cliché, but I would have to say it would be my college years. Not only because it was the best time of my life, but because I wish I had chosen a major other than psychology. I really regret listening to people who told me "just art" wouldn't get me anywhere. I wish I went for illustration or some sort of design. I guess I can always go back...for thousands of dollars...
Dave: It's never too late! I mean, we all think this, but realizing that you have bills to pay and a semi-established lifestyle prevents a lot of people our age from dropping everything and pursuing dreams!
When do you decide to start painting? Do you paint at random times or are you influenced to do so by your surroundings?
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| "Rattle 2" |
Dave: Absolutely. I think it's important to get the idea to canvas as soon as possible so it's fresh and inspired by your feelings. I'm no painter, but I can imagine that the more you paint with emotion, the better your art may turn out. But I always wonder if some artists find it better to decide, "I want to paint something"... and sit in front of a blank slate until some idea comes to mind..
I know you LOVE cats (I mean, who couldn't love them, there so funny) and your passion for them is certainly evident in your work. What is it about these little creatures that you wish your viewers to understand by looking at your art?
Nima: Well I grew up with cats, I didn't really come from a dog family. So I've loved them my whole life. But my love is for all cats. From house to wild. I love them all. Unfortunately, I think they can be pretty misunderstood. A lot of people see them as useless and dumb but they are actually really freakin' badass. They're super smart hunters and just simply interesting animals in my opinion. I mean who doesn't love a fierce lioness? And I think people miss the lion thats inside even house cats. Mine caught a mouse the other day and carried it to my roommate in her mouth. We'd be out purchasing mouse traps right now if it wasn't for her.
That was kind of my inspiration for one of my most recent works. The cat wearing the lion as a headdress sort of thing. A sweet little house cat in lion's clothes, maybe? I guess I just want my viewers to respect them as smart badass creatures since they get a pretty comical rap in the internet world. Or if they really can't get behind the respect thing, then viewers can just get another good laugh at my surreal portrayal.
Dave: I totally agree with you Nims! I actually grew up as a dog person (not an actual dog-person per say, that would be pretty weird). I never had a cat around the house, but I always wondered what that would be like. When Cole moved to the left-coast, I took care of him along with our mutual friend Greg. It was so cool having our cat (Griffin) prance around the house like he was the best thing since sliced bread. Cats don't seem to show their emotions, so I am always wondering what is on their mind. I always feel like they still look up to us humans.
Speaking of looking up to someone, which artists do you envy or seek for inspiration?
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"A Tusky Tangle" |
I do have a few artists I have always admired. First being Dalí. I have always loved surrealism. His paintings are some that I remember admiring long before I ever considered myself as being any sort of artist. But the artist who really helped me claim a style of my own and start working on pieces straight from my brain (rather than with guidance from a school course) was Jason Sho Green. He's not hugely known, yet. But I really love his style and the subtle humor behind a lot of his earlier drawings. He also inspired me to paint on wood and I've never looked back. I also recently discovered Audrey Kawasaki. She paints on wood too!! Her lines are a lot cleaner than mine; I really aspire to be as disciplined as her. Her website describes her work as innocent and erotic, and attractive yet disturbing. I feel like some of my work can relate to that.
Cole Joined in to ask a couple of questions...
Cole: We love Dali! What is your dream for your work?
Nima: It's hard to say what my dream is. I guess ultimately to create art that people can relate to and enjoy. Making some money in the process would be nice as well. I would be lying if I said I only wanted to make people happy because art supplies are not cheap. But I have definitely realized over the last few years that painting, drawing, and creating, are things that I am really passionate about and I can't see myself doing anything else. I love the reaction I get when someone asks me to paint them something and the outcome satisfies them. It's a great feeling that I wish I could have more often.
So I guess I don't really have one answer. I would love to sell my paintings on the regular, I've tossed around the idea of going back to school for illustration to pursue a career in print (illustration for books, magazines, ads etc), and I would love to start my own business (selling an item i cannot disclose because I haven't made it yet :) ).
OH and my biggest dream of all, would be if one of my paintings found itself in Lady Gaga's house.
Cole: What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Nima: Wingspan multiplied by wing flaps per second multiplied by flap size equals an average cruising airspeed velocity of I have no idea.
Dave: I always knew you were a creative genius Nims! Thank's again for taking the time to provide Cole and I the opportunity of revealing your story. We picture a time in the future where we'll go to a show with Liz and enjoy a blend of PBR's and good tunes.
-Dave and Cole
