Pasadena Vendor Spotlight: Andre Mirzaian
1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?
As far back as I can remember I have always created, whether it was a piece of paper folded into origami or a custom hand made table. The act of making comes natural to me and the most important tools in the studio are my hands. This market will actually be one of the few times I've exhibited and sold my artwork at a handmade community fair so I’m hoping for the best.
2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
To be honest I actually feel that the true artist is nature itself, I'm just presenting it in a way that can be appreciated as artwork. I love materials and how they exist just as they are, the texture of clay when dry creates a network of cracks, the patterns found in wood grain or on a leaf. These are the things that influence my work and push me to create.
3. What or Who Inspires you?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature and the patterns, textures, and geometry found within it. The several artist that have a huge influence on my work are Bryan Nash Gill, Analia Saban, and Andy Goldsworthy. All of these artist in their own way incorporate nature, texture, and pattern which I strive to achieve.
4. What is your creative process like?
I have to create to feel mentally and physically healthy. Without making and creating I kind of feel lost. Surfing, hiking, and just being immersed in nature definitely contributes to my creative process. The duality of my creative process can vary. At one moment it can be very methodical, planned out and hypnotic and on the other hand it can be completely spontaneous and random. It depends on what I'm trying to achieve at that moment in time spent in the studio.
5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?
The best piece of advice I have ever received was from the artist Bryan Nash Gill who told me to keep creating and to really listen to my process, to let the work take me there, to show my work wherever and whenever I was given the opportunity. He said that one of the hardest things for any artist to achieve is to be noticed by a gallery unless you are the lucky 1% of artists that do get picked up by one. He told me that I may be a gallery artist but I also may be a great craftsman.
6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
Quality pieces that I put my heart into. Each piece that I make has a high standard of craftsmanship. These qualities and attention to detail are what I put into all my work whether it's an art piece, a custom table or a walnut cutting board, each piece is made with love and is held to my highest standard.
7. Where can we learn more about you?
You can learn more about me on my website www.andremirzaian.com and on my instagram profile andremirzaian.