Meet Nasim Nourian | Visual Artist & Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nasim Nourian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nasim, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Thank you for asking about my artistic journey, as it allows me to express my gratitude for being able to pursue a creative career. I truly believe that inherent creativity is a fundamental part of being human. That we are all born creative beings. But many of us, including myself, often neglect or silence this creative side due to circumstances that may be out of our control. As a first-generation immigrant, my family expectations led me to believe that the “right” path was pursuing a conventional career, a doctor, a lawyer, etc. And so, I graduated with a degree in pre-law and political science, initially with the goal of attending law school but found myself in a lucrative corporate job after college, which really shaped my life for over two decades.

While I was ‘successful’ in my corporate career, I knew that it lacked personal meaning. It took me nearly a decade, about ten years ago, to realize that I needed to reconnect with my artistic and creative roots. This revelation happened unexpectedly, when I enrolled in a summer art class at the local community college. In that moment, it felt like I had returned home. The experience was like a calling, compelling me to no longer ignore my creative expression and propelling me to step back into my artistic power. From that point forward, I began to pursue my creative career.

And now, establishing myself as an emerging artist later in life has proven to be an amusing challenge. As an artist, I find myself on the proverbial seesaw, trying to balance between expressing my own creativity and seeking recognition for my artistic skills and abilities. Learning to handle this is an ongoing process for me where I am not sacrificing my artistic voice for commercial acceptance. So, I find that while pursing a creative career was a ‘calling,’ maintaining it takes conscious dedication to staying true to myself and my artistic voice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistic exploration is a journey into the textual, sensual, and tangible realms of art. I am inspired by the light and shadow in nature, as well as in faces and figures. I love to invite the viewers to jump into the subtle nuances of emotions and imagination. I aspire for my creations to embody the essence of the person. You can say that my artistic journey is defined by a commitment to discovering my own distinctive voice within the creative sphere. I use diverse mediums, ranging from traditional painting techniques to exploring with experimental tactile materials which create a dynamic approach. For me staying authentic to my own artistic expression is the biggest challenge. And as a result, my deep desire is to authentically capture the true essence of my subjects. I am most proud when my audience can sense my personal experiences through my art.

Has this been easy for me? The simple answer is no. I continually remind myself that there is only one of me, and mimicking others would once again silence my true self. My deepest aspiration is for the world to recognize that creativity is intrinsic to everyone, and that we all have a unique story to share.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My absolute favorite place in Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden. So the Garden would be a ‘must’ see in our week long plan. If the trip happens to include a first Friday of the month, then we are definitely art viewing. We would visit downtown Phoenix galleries and all the eclectic shops and outstanding restaurants. I would also include a visit to the Nash Jazz Club downtown and the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in Scottsdale as both venues often have world-renowned performers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I recently had a solo exhibition at the Herberger Art Gallery titled ‘The Feminine Presence.’ I was inspired to create a series of portraitures as a heartfelt homage to the remarkable women who have profoundly influenced my life. The portraits featured 16 women who, in various ways, offered support, love, and encouragement—perhaps unknowingly- in my journey. But in addition to these women, a special shout-out goes to two individuals who have gone above and beyond: my sister, Shiva Coffey, and my husband, Nathan Giles. They have continuously played important roles in helping me recognize my self-worth as a woman and as an artist. Their unwavering support has created a space for my self-expression and self-acceptance. Through their love, guidance, and encouragement, they have been crucial in lifting me up on my artistic and personal journey.

Website: www.nasimnourian.com

Instagram: @nasimnour and @nasim_nourian_art

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@selfcareyoga