Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denise Yaghmourian . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Denise , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I earned my art degree from ASU in painting and art education. This provided me opportunities to make a living while I spent more time experimenting and exploring in art. I have always been drawn to creating art from typically non-traditional mediums. Because of that, I found the materials I enjoy using most to create my pieces. I discovered how much I enjoyed working with fibers and textiles after my university experience. As an artist, I feel it is essential to continually push my self created boundaries and never let fear stop ideas and work from coming to fruition. Say yes and figure it out! Social media is great but often, and especially with the work I make, it’s important to see the actual work, in real life. It’s impossible to view the actual details on social media sites or a computer.

As an artist, you wear many, many hats and all of the things you’ll need to know and do are typically not part of the art degree. Another is becoming good at time management, since you are the one in charge of creating the schedule.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I attended ASU, where I received my art degree. I have lived in Phoenix since the age of 7, when my family moved here from Massapequa on Long Island, in New York. I enjoyed growing up in Arizona and have a deep love of the desert. I’m a mixed media visual artist with a focus on fiber and textiles and recycled and found objects. I am inspired by patterns in nature, math and science, the brain, and life and relationships. My longest series of fiber based artwork involves the use of hook and eye tape, typically used in bra and corset making. I wrap the canvas or sculptural form with the eyelet material and use a variety of threads to stitch pattern designs through the eyelets, creating intricate grid like compositions. My work recalls post minimalist concepts from the late 1960s. Post minimalism borrowed ideas of repetition from minimalism, yet focused on the use of organic material and the direct involvement of the artist. Using mass produced, bra and corset making supplies, my works makes feminist statements about the constrictive nature of women’s garments prevalent in modern society and throughout history. The work ranges from sculptural pieces to installations and wall pieces. I also enjoy performance art.
I currently have my studio At Rocking “S” Art Ranch, in Phoenix. In Arizona, I exhibit my work at Bentley Gallery in downtown. Additionally, being represented by Bogena Galerie in France adds an exciting international dimension to my artistic journey. I enjoy any opportunity to exhibit my work and connect with the community.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an artist, the most rewarding aspect is the freedom it brings. There are no rules; I have the liberty to explore my creativity without constraints. This freedom allows me to experiment, play with ideas, and push boundaries, ultimately leading to personal growth and discovery. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with fascinating individuals along the way enriches my journey. Whether collaborating with other artists or working in solitude, every interaction adds depth to my artistic practice. Staying true to my vision, even when it diverges from popular trends, is essential. Trusting myself and my ideas fosters authenticity and integrity in my work. Ultimately, being an artist grants me the autonomy to create my own schedule and dictate my own artistic path—a privilege I cherish deeply.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal in life and in my artwork is to be fully present while creating. I believe that being completely present allows for honest and true expression in my work, regardless of the outcome. It’s essential to me to engage in something related to art or my artwork every day. I value the opportunity to share my work and engage in dialogue with others about art and its role in our world. My mission as an artist is to continually explore, create, display, and discuss art, exploring its connections to our ever-evolving world.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://deniseyaghmourian.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/denise.yaghmourian
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@DeniseYaghmourian

Image Credits
Brandon Sullivan