We are happy to introduce you to Enzie Shahmiri, the first featured artist in the Rich Women Sisterhood Art Gallery.  I stumbled upon Enzie's work by accident and knew instantly that I wanted to feature her.  It didn't surprise me to learn that some of my favorite artists have greatly influenced her art work. 

Since the Rich Women Sisterhood Giving Back campaign this month is Darfur Enzie was a perfect match.  It quickly became apparent that Enzie would be perfect as our first featured artist when I learned about of the charity auction she is sponsoring later this month. The subject of the painting was a beautiful young girl from Darfur.  The proceeds of the auction will be going to the victims of Darfur.  See the article below this one to learn all about it. 

Enzie specializes in commissioned portraits and figurative paintings.  Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibits in California and are in private collections in the USA, Europe and the Middle East.

Enzie's work ranges from traditional oil portraits to Orientalist style figurative pieces using a Classical Old Master's painting technique. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America and many other Fine Art Organizations.

Enzie's Artistic Philosophy Is...

"All cultures nurture myths and fantasies, with qualities absent in one’s own culture. Sometimes welcomed, sometimes shunned we always need to remember that the “others” of some are the “us” of others. Whether recollections of beauty or evocations of evil, cultural myths and fantasies lend themselves to images, which
enable artists such as myself, to create a bridge between societies and a new appreciation for that which is different.

I have lived abroad for many years and have traveled extensively though Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The impact of this wanderlust can be seen in my love for portraits of people representing all corners of the world. Historic architectural settings and different period designs are both elements I like to use to embellish the settings in which I place the portrait sitters. For me a portrait has to serve more than one purpose, it has to capture the essence of the sitter, hold the viewers interest by providing a short, intriguing narrative and be decorative through the use of rich colors."

Questions Enzie answered for our readers...

How did you get started as an artist?

I have been drawing as long as I can remember. In school, my teachers would always confiscate my notebooks, because I would draw rather than pay attention to what was being taught. The best was when one of my teachers actually asked me not to toss my notebook at the end of the school year, but let her have it. While chastising me that I really should pay more attention, she also let me know that she loved my work!

What is your favorite medium to work in?

Oil paints are my favorite, because as a portrait artist, they allow me the full control I need to create realistic looking skin tones.

In what way does art enrich your life?

Art has allowed me to make friends all over the world and it has given me an understanding of how I can use my work to  touch other peoples life in positive ways. When people hug me or break down in tears, I know that I have given them not just a portrait, but have captured s.th very special, which is the soul of someone they deeply care for. Art has
allowed me to use my skills for good causes and expand my reach to do things that I never thought possible before.

What artists have influenced you and how?

The European Old Masters of the 19th century have always been my models. In particular Jean Léone Gérôme who was a French Orientalist painter, who painted scenes of the Middle East down to the most minute details. I try to strive for this attention to detail and high finish in my own work. The other artist would be William Bouguereau, also a French academician, who painted children. His skin tones were so life like that to this day,I get goose bumps when I see one of his paintings in a museum. After many years of research and study, I now mix my own paints and use very similar colors to get luminous skin tones.

What enriches your life besides your art?

My family and friends. I once read that you are defined by the people who surround you. Without them - I am no one.

Where do you seek inspiration from?

From nature and the people I encounter. Nature is perfect in every way and the details and color harmonies that can be found there are just astounding and limitless. I am drawn to people's faces like a moth is to light. Weather it is the sparkle in their eyes, the wrinkles that form when they smile or just the way they tilt their head,- people are wonderful to observe and full of life and surprises.

You can learn more about Enzie and view her art at enzieshahmiri.com.

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Enzie Shahmiri said:

... Thank you so much for featuring me on your web site and welcoming me to the Rich Women Sisterhood. The ebay auction of the painting of the little Sudanese girl for UNHCR has started and will run through October 10th. To bid on the painting or make a smaller contribution, please go to my web site at http://www.EnzieShahmiri.com All the best, Enzie Shahmiri

October 01, 2008 | url

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