We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aida Masliah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aida, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The significance of my artwork lies in the expression of my perspective on various life issues through the incorporation of surrealism, as well as occasionally incorporating humor or addressing pertinent issues of contemporary society. I utilize colored pencils as my primary medium for creating these works.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been honing my artistic skills since my earliest years, having held a pencil for as long as I can remember. I approach my craft with a keen sense of creativity, infusing my artwork with a sense of vitality and vibrancy that truly brings it to life. Given that play on words is a crucial element of my artwork, it is essential to consider the titles I assign to each piece. My specialty lies in creating commissioned drawings, wherein I interpret the thoughts and desires of my clients and transform them into a relatable piece. My artwork is characterized by a surreal flair, a play on words, or a strong statement that speaks to the essence of life. What sets me apart from other artists is my unwavering commitment to originality – I do not rely on others’ ideas but instead develop my own concepts and translate them into original and unique pieces of art. As an artist, I take great pride in utilizing my creativity and imagination to express my ideas and beliefs, hoping to evoke a sense of understanding and connection among my audience. I have exhibited my work in various professional galleries and have successfully sold my pieces on commission. I derive great pleasure from translating the ideas of others into works of art, and strive to create pieces that resonate with a shared human experience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As an artist, I find great fulfillment in creating artwork that conveys meaningful messages and allows individuals to feel a sense of solidarity with their own thoughts and beliefs. It is deeply rewarding to know that through my drawings, individuals can discover that they are not alone in their perspectives and find solace in the shared human experience that my art represents. Even if only one person is able to connect with my artwork and find resonance with their ideals, I consider my work to have been successful in contributing to a greater sense of community and understanding.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Initially, my art was a means of personal expression, but through my interactions with talented artists who share my passion, I was inspired to pursue greater artistic heights. As I began to enter competitions in the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) and earn recognition for my work, I realized the need to adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset. Combining my creative passion with a drive to effectively communicate my thoughts and messages, I continue to evolve as an artist and expand my knowledge of the artistic process on a daily basis.

Contact Info:

• Website: aidamasliah.com
• Instagram: @aidamasliah
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aida.masliah