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

Hi Igor, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and I’ve always been passionate about art for as long as I can remember. After finishing high school, I studied computer programming at University and became a software programmer. When I was interested in photography, I used my experience and my ability to combine art with computer knowledge to create an innovative take on art. Choosing an artistic career wasn’t a matter of choice for me – It was my natural calling and a way for me to express myself clearly since I always loved art and wanted to create from the heart. It’s very important to me that people like my art and it resonates with them. This drives me to be even more creative reaching an ever expanding audience . This is my ultimate goal. My next big project is launching a generative NFT collection. Given my experience with art, photography and Photoshop I believe that my next collection will be the perfect blend of art, creativity and innovation. Always looking forward to perfecting my craft and producing everlasting art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I studied Painting, Photography and Digital Art – which has helped me blend technology together with my creativity. In the beginning of my artistic carrier when I learned at Art College I painted landscapes, portraits and still life. But very soon I realized that I am more interested in abstract and modern art, The contemporary art style attracts me and I am always looking for new concepts, ideas and techniques from various mediums. When I started to capture photographs and use Photoshop for editing I realized that there are many opportunities to bring my vision to life and complete my project with an enhanced final result. I can combine few photos in the one montage, I can play with colors and light and usually create a few versions of my artwork but I publish only the best ones. I have no set method and I am usually driven by spontaneity – this is usually linked to my mood at the time. Being able to change something that was planned midway, sometimes gives beautiful and unexpected results.
Modern abstract art allows me to share what I feel and think. While my paintings are an abstract shot of who I am I always hope that it touches someone in some way – giving purpose to my work.
I’ve learned many lessons along the way – with the most important being true to yourself. The art an artist debuts speaks volume about his creativity and originality. Also, I’ve learned to enjoy the process – through and through no matter the obstacles along the way. The ingenuity of the journey is expressed through the art and appreciated more by my audience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A weeklong trip in Los Angeles sounds like a dream. I would begin my trip in the heart of Los Angeles – Venice beach. One full day and night walking the boardwalk and trying all the amazing eateries in the area. Breakfast would be at The Butchers Daughter on Abbot Kinney blvd and dinner would have to be at the famous Italian restaurant Gjelina. Day two would be for visiting all the historic sites and artwork they have across the city. I would begin with the street art on Sunset Blvd and visit multiple galleries in Beverly Hills down to West Hollywood. Day 3 would start in Malibu, CA at a restaurant called Malibu Farms – on the water café that has impeccable views. Day 4 would be more of a road trip as there is so much more to California then just LA. From Malibu I would take the canyons and continue onwards towards San Diego to the Bay Area. Pit-stop is always for sushi at either Sugarfish or Katsu-ya. In addition to seeing all the famous sites (i.e. The Grove, Americana, Century City, LACMA, La-Brea Tarpits…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first sale of an original artwork was on Saatchi Art gallery. The curators of the gallery featured my artwork a few times leading to my brand recognition and sales. It makes me very happy when people buy my work and share my vision. Every sale encourages me to create new work and further gives me the reason to be creative and to know that I’m on the right way to move forward. There is such beautiful artwork that people can choose from. When someone chooses my work it makes my day and give me more desire and passion to continue to be creative.

Website: saatchiart.com/igor.shrayer

Instagram: @igor_shrayer_art

Other: 1x.com/igorshrayer

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.