Mahyar Amiri is an artist from Toronto whose style is heavily inspired by contemporary brand culture and design. His works are summarized through a group of collections that each utilize different mediums and consist of different genres of art. Working primarily on canvas, the artist finishes each piece with dynamic gestures in paint, resin, and neon, giving each piece its unique and contemporary finish. Carrying his signature, Amiri, meaning “the one who will never die”, the works capture what is iconic and eternal in our society today. We interviewed Mahyar to learn more about his practice, inspirations, and what he is working on today.
1. How does your creative day look like and what inspires you to make art? Has your creative day changed due to Covid-19?
My creative day begins with replying to emails and sketching a few ideas in my sketchbook. My routine hasn’t changed much due to Covid-19 besides having to order most of my supplies online rather than in person.
2. Tell us more about your art studio.
I paint and make most of my art mainly from home in my basement or bedroom.
3. How did you first get interested in your medium/s?
I tend to get bored easily using the same mediums over and over again, so I get interested in different mediums if I haven’t experienced them.
4. Describe your style in one sentence.
A strive for perfection with a hint of destruction.
5. Has your style changed over time?
Not really.
6. What are your main artistic tools?
Brushes, silkscreens, spray paint cans, sketch markers, stencils, and paint.
7. Do you ever experience creativity blocks and how do you stay positive and inspired?
I experience creativity blocks all the time. Usually, I give my ideas rest and time because I don’t like to rush into things.
8.What artists - either contemporary or from history - have had an impact on you and your art practice?
I think the biggest impact on my art practices was made from my childhood. All of the pieces I make have something in common with what I found interest in during my childhood years.
9. Do you think the art world has changed or will be changing due to the pandemic? If yes, how?
I think the art industry has an increased online presence due to the ongoing pandemic.
10. What project are you working on right now? What would you like to do next?
I’m currently fulfilling commissions for clients and I would love to have more free time later this year to release a new collection of works.
