Interview
Ellie Shafiei
Ellie Shafiei (Iranian- American. b 1987) is a MFA Candidate at the New York Academy of Art, Class of 2026. Ellie is a multimedia artist, oil painter, photographer, and printmaker whose creative journey began in her teenage years. She has pursed her skills through formal art education and personal determination. Shafiei’s academic background includes a BA in Studio Art and a minor in Art History from UC Davis. As an immigrant, her art is an ongoing exploration, a dialogue between her past, present and future. While she continues to create, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their own journey, find beauty in their uniqueness, and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experiences that shape us all.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I pursued my academic journey at UC Davis, attaining a major in studio art and a minor in art history. However, my path took an unexpected turn when my beliefs led to my departure from the educational system in Iran. I furthered my education at Pierce College, where I majored in both studio art and art history from 2018 to 2020. My artistic training encompassed institutions such as Azad University and Art Academy in Iran. Through my resilience in the face of life’s hardships, I arrived at a determination to champion women’s rights. My endeavors serve as motivation for the younger generation in Iran, encouraging them to stand purposeful and chase their aspirations. The subsequent separation played a pivotal role in my life as I embarked on my journey abroad, facing the challenge of self-discovery and finding my place in society. My educational pursuits were rooted in the pursuit of freedom, enabling me to embrace my dreams.”
What inspires you?
“When I was 24 years old, I embarked on a journey that forever altered the course of my life - I immigrated to Turkey. As an artist, this transition marked a significant gap in my professional career. I found myself confronted with the immediate need to secure employment, learn a new language, and establish connections with people to survive. My status as a refugee added an additional layer of challenge, compelling me to confront infinite difficulties that life threw my way. Through my art, I have channeled these transformative experiences - discrimination terror, anger, and the realization of the limited rights accorded to women in my mother land. My paintings serve as a sharp reflection of the realities I have encountered, capturing moments of profound sorrow and the periods when I felt utterly wandered in life. They offer a stark portrayal of a world often indifferent to the harsh realities and ongoing struggles that surround it. My parents occupied the main place in my artistic expression. Through my work, I delve into the memories of my childhood, the profound loneliness I have felt, and the deep-seated pain that accompanies such a profound departure from home.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In essence, my artistic narrative encapsulates the journey from nonexistence to existence - a testament to the power of determination and artistic expression. My art is an ongoing exploration, a dialogue between my past, present, and future. It serves as a reminder that ‘home’ is not merely a geographical location, but a sense of connection, purpose, and acceptance. As I continue to create, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own journeys, find beauty in their uniqueness, and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experiences that shape us all.”
How would you describe your work?
“My art is a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above adversity and transform adversity into art.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Francis Bacon might influence my artistic journey because of his unique ability to capture raw emotion and the darker aspects of the human condition. His bold, expressive style and his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths in his art could inspire me to explore deeper, more intense themes in my own work, pushing the boundaries of my creativity and emotional expression.”
“My paintings serve as a sharp reflection of the realities I have encountered, capturing moments of profound sorrow and the periods when I felt utterly wandered in life.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process involves drawing inspiration from personal experiences and artists like Francis Bacon, developing themes of human emotion and existence, sketching and planning, executing with bold, expressive techniques, and continually reflecting and revising to align with my vision.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is to inspire, provoke thought, and reflect the human experience. This role evolves as artists address contemporary issues and use new media to reach wider audiences.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One of my most noteworthy exhibitions was at Van Der Plas Gallery in New York on September 1st, 2023. The exhibition received positive feedback for its bold, expressive style and the way it engaged viewers with its raw, powerful imagery. Working with various talented artists with different styles was a new adventure and a great opportunity to learn from others.”
Website: ellieshafieistudio.com
Instagram: @ellieshafiei_studio
