Today we’d like to introduce you to Elina Pai
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m originally from Zlatoust, a small town in Russia, and art and music have always been an integral part of my life. However, in my country, there was a strong expectation to pursue a ‘serious’ profession, so I studied finance. Despite earning my degree, I quickly realized that it wasn’t the right path for me. Driven by a desire for freedom and the opportunity to pursue my passion, I immigrated to the U.S. There, I worked as a dishwasher and waitress, but in my free time, I focused on developing my art skills. As I gained confidence and honed my craft, I realized I had the potential to turn my passion into a business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Was it a smooth road? Absolutely not. I’ve faced many challenges, from difficult commissions to having a painting stolen from the post office. I’ve lost money, and there were times when my art wasn’t selling. But every mistake and failure made me stronger and taught me valuable lessons. I’ve learned to never give up because my dreams and goals are powerful. My belief in myself never fades.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a self-taught multidisciplinary artist, working in pen drawing, photography, painting, and self-portraiture.
I began my career by taking on commissions and completing exciting projects, such as designing a book cover and creating a painting for a cancer foundation. I also explored NFTs, immersing myself in the digital world and the crypto artist community. During the pandemic, I ventured into photography and sold my self-portraits as NFTs. My work has been exhibited in NYC, Paris, Beijing, LA, Bali, Milan, and Toronto.
Currently, I am focusing more on my paintings and sharing my physical work with the world. In my paintings, I blur the lines between the internal and external, telling stories of feelings, emotions, dreams, fears, strengths, weaknesses, truth, hope, love, and freedom. These are intangible experiences that I strive to make visible and tangible through color, light, movement, and symbols. My art serves as a conduit for expressing the multifaceted layers of our being.
I recently had my first solo show, ‘Reflection of Feelings,’ at Rampant Gallery in Atlanta.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
When you choose to do something you love, it’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to fail. The key is to keep going until you succeed. Always remember that this is a long game. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Have a plan and stay disciplined. Learn from the best, trust your gut, and take time off when you need to. Stay active and take care of yourself. You’ve got this.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elinapai.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinapaiart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellikutart/
- Twitter: https://x.com/elinapai
