Today we’d like to introduce you to Siri Selle
Hi Siri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
THE ART WORLD OF SIRI
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Painting is a fearless expression of energy, time and space, where colors, forms and lines aesthetically coexist to arouse an internal source.
FROM HAUGESUND, NORWAY TO ROME, GEORGIA
My journey and experiences are evident in my progression as an artist and as an impassioned advocate for the arts.
My first exhibit was in 1999 – a solo exhibit of surrealistic drawings in my birth town, Haugesund, Norway . Since, I have participated yearly in solo and group exhibitions internationally, nationally, and locally. If you visit the resort, The Atlantis, in the Bahamas, her 4’ x 4’ painting “High Horizon” will greet you in the lobby. The Lowe’s hotel in midtown Atlanta have 400 of my prints as you enter the hotel rooms. In 2017, my painting “Towers by Night” hung in the Governor’s mansion in Atlanta, Georgia after being selected by the Art Council of Georgia for this distinction. And the following year the painting “Country Roads” was selected again to be featured in the Governor’s mansion. Locally, many who appreciate art in the community proudly display a number of my works. It is fair to say that I have been creating opportunities and spread my love for painting for over 2 decades. I realized early in my career that opportunities must be created they don’t just appear out of the blue. It takes courage, belief, grit to pave the path as an artist in today’s world.
SIRI’S LOVE OF LIFE AND ADVENTURE + STUDIO SIRI LLC
It is evident in all my artwork and also my commitment to the advancement of the arts. Fresh out of college with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, Painting and a psych minor. In Rome Ga., I started an art program through a local organization for the intellectual disabled in 2003, in 2005 she offered community classes through Shorter College, and, she opened Studio Siri, an art studio, frame shop, and home to many aspiring artists where she teaches all ages and abilities. Currently, I operate Studio Siri, which is a venue for creative events and art lessons. In 2011 I founded heartworks, which its sole purpose is to raise funds for humanitarian organizations through my art. I have been able to give classes to underprivileged kids in our community through the sales of my Heartwork art . In 2013 Siri and her husband JP embraced the opportunity to purchase a local frame shop/ Gallery aka Hanging Around Rome in Rome Ga. this was a great extension of Studio Siri’s operations. I take great pleasure of being part of growing the arts in our community. As a painter, framer, teacher, business owner and mom I want to make memories last forever through art.
I met my husband, JP, a Chile native, in college in Rome Ga. We started a life that was filled with hard work and travels. We have two teenage boys and as a family we have prioritized travel to both Chile and Norway every year to visit and for our boys to get to know the cultures from where we both grew up. Traveling fuels my curiosity for life and my inspiration to create art.
My studio operation keeps me busy on a daily basis and it is a steady business where I always strive for new ways to grow. I been going through the seasons of starting from nothing as an art student, establishing and growing Studio Siri over the years ,raising my boys and now when they are becoming young adults I am granted more time to further grow. My most recent projects has involved interior design. My husband and I have undertaking major renovation projects and house flipping. My duty is been to create an artful and fun space. We have two AIRBNB’s named Downtown Blue that is thoughtfully curiated to give the experience of living in a creative world filled with color and art. We are in the middle of developing one more apartment, Downtown Brick, that will be available for people to host small events etc. In the next 5 -10 years I do intend to try expanding my work beyond Rome make new connection and create new opportunities in the art world which is my true calling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always going to be obstacles and challenges when trying to make a living of your art. That is why I am a firm believer that you have to be the one creating the opportunities and always evolve and never stagnate. As an athlete… (did I mentioned I came to the states on a soccer scholarship to study ) … I have learned to battle for what I believe and not give up when things are getting though but fight. There has been times when I have considered a career shift, but then something wonderful and promising comes up like a sale or a commission request. I do believe I searched for more opportunities when I was younger.
A lot has changed since I first began in 1999 as student. I try to stay current with on the various social media platforms. Technology is definitely changing at a rapid pace and there is indefinitely amount of creative people and new trends and it can be easily overwhelming if you try to compete- so striving for your own artistic identity is important and don’t loose yourself in the noice.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe this has been answered in the previous questions..
I am a painter, business owner, custom framer and interior designer.
My art work is what I am most known for with over 2 decades of experience. What set me apart from other artist is that I don’t give up when things get tough I always create the opportunities and keep evolving. I believe I am meant to do what I do.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband has had great impact on my career he is a business man and entrepreneur by heart and have guided me through my 20 your development as an artist to a business owner, We make a great team and I am forever thankful for his faith in me and his encouragement throughout all these year.
Rome Community & my clients has been supporting my work and career over two decades. They have helped shape me into the leading artist in our local community.
My family back in Norway always trusted and supported my decisions as a young adult. From leaving my home country, encouraged my curiosity and adventurous soul and allowed me to spread my wings.
Anyone that has stood by my side and trusted and invented in my work I am forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studiosiri.com/ and https://www.studiosirishop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiosiri/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioSiriRomeGA/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/studiosiri/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/studiosiri1/
