Meet Sema Cohen | Airbrush Artist and friend

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

Hi Sema, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Seattle, Washington. I grew up working in my family’s retail business, which taught me early on that if you start something, finish it. Retail became second nature to me, and it gave me a strong work ethic and the confidence to handle challenges without fear. Besides making me unafraid of challenges—it became second nature to step up and figure things out. Those years really shaped me.

I’m the kind of person, who ,if you say to me, you can’t do something, and I know I can, I will work hard to make sure I do it. In a productive way. I’ve always been tenacious—I like to learn something all the way through. I like to be good at what I do. I think that it is very important to know your strengths.

My Dad was a driving force and there was no such thing as quitting. His example pushed me to be good at what I do. So when I discovered airbrushing, I jumped in completely. Learning airbrushing was a huge challenge and there are some big shoes out there. Some amazing airbrush artist. It’s a passion that I keep building on every day. I’m still learning, still pushing myself, and that drive comes from both my upbringing and my love for creating and being successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in passion, persistence, and the 3rd ingredient,” LOVE”. I love watching my painting come together and come alive.
What excites me about my art is when people look at it and tell me what they see. What emotion it sparks in them. Their story behind the painting. Or when someone see’s it and thinks it’s a photo and are so surprised to find out it’s a painting.
What sets me apart is not only the detail and realism I strive for, but also the emotion I want my paintings to evoke. When someone looks at my work, I want them to feel a connection.
Professionally, I am not where I want to be. Airbrushing is a demanding medium, and I had to commit fully. I’m still working on putting my art out there. There are times it is frustrating. Persistence is key for me. There was a period when no one would look at my art. Sometimes it is timing.

My journey has just begun. I am proud of how far I have come. My art has won awards, been in an airbrush magazine and now, in galleries. Watching people respond to my art is deeply rewarding. Those are the moments that keep driving me forward.
Even more than the recognition, I’m proud of my sense of accomplishment and building something of my own, from the ground up.

It is a lot of work, goals and gratitude. It is overwhelming and exciting. So I make goals and write down my strengths
I believe you need to be ready for the next door to open or you may miss an important opportunity.
I also would like to say that I would not be where without the help of friends and family.

Brand: Realistic airbrush paintings of horses, animals and faces of people. A story with no words. Wrinkles in time.

Story: Began by practicing basic airbrush strokes that developed into creating detailed, lifelike work. I want the world to know that my art is more than technique. It’s the story without words. It is about the emotion it provokes when the person spends time with a painting.

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.
When my best friend is in town, we love to sit by the pool and bbq. We like to go shopping, so Scottsdale Quarter or even the small shops up in Cave Creek.
If we go out for dinner, we will dine it up down in Scottsdale, of stay close to home and eat in the restaurants here. We like to go to different places to try different food.
I would have to say that food and shopping and relaxing is what we do.
Going to Sedona is always a treat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well, I’ve already mentioned my Dad.
My Mom wanted me, in the worst way, to be an artists. That did not happen in her lifetime so all my work is dedicated to her.
There are 2 people that I know that are the GOAT in their field and I am honored to say that I know them and they have touched my life. One was Bob Avila. He was a horse trainer, and so much more to many people. A successful man with an amazing outlook on life. I looked up to him since I was a teenager. He was great for encouragement and advise.
The other is Dru Blair. He is my mentor and a true example. He is one of the greatest artist. He is humble and kind. He is motivated and a driver. I am honored to learn from him. Both of these people have given me direction in different times in my life.
My son Nesso, who is my biggest fan.
My sisters and brother, aunts and uncles, and nieces and nephews are always supportive. My whole family will drop everything to go to one of my shows. Sonny Gorasht who encouraged me to put my art in a show which nudged me along and has supported me since. My husband, who will drop everything to make sure I have everything I need, including his emotional support.
The people in the air brush world. Always supportive and genuinely helpful.
Last and not least, Jan Griggs. She get’s a huge “Thank You” for seeing me. She has opening doors for me to walk through. I’m not sure that, without her support, I would be doing this journey with my art.
I sure hope I haven’t left anyone out.

Website: https://semacohenfineart.com

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