‍Parin Heidari is a multidisciplinary artist who has lived in Iran, Italy, The Netherlands, and the United States. She draws inspiration from her diverse background in art, engineering, and graphic design and is known for her minimal art style and ambidextrous drawing work. Heidari’s style uses a single line with simple elements and colors to convey her own visualization of the deepest emotions humans can feel and to make complex problems simple. Before NFTs became her full-time career, she worked as a Creative Director and Graphic Designer for 10 years. 

Heidari’s most recent drop, Being, presented by Audio Galleries, is currently minting exclusively on OpenSea and will continue until November 5th at 8:30 AM PST.

OpenSea: Thank you for joining us, Parin! We’d love to start with a macro question about your work. Who or what are your biggest inspirations and influences when creating?

Parin Heidari: I have always been inspired by impressionists, especially Egon Schiele – the imperfection of his exaggerated proportions and twisted bodies is beautiful, tragic, and humorous all at once. My own feelings are another source of inspiration. As someone with synesthesia, listening to music affects me deeply – I see shapes and stories, colors and images, that affect my work. 

OpenSea: How has your work developed and evolved over time?

Parin Heidari: My artistic journey began when I was 3, and it wasn’t long before I was lugging my sketchbook everywhere to capture the souls of people in my life. When I was 9, I fell head over heels for comics and cartoons. Drawing them was a daily ritual. At 16, I delved into the world of fine art and painting at university. It became my absolute passion. That is, of course, until I discovered animation. Embracing the world of digital art has opened up a whole new avenue of creative possibilities for me.

OpenSea: What was your journey into web3 and NFTs like?

Parin Heidari: Honestly, it’s been life-changing. I always dreamt of a space like this – a place where art is appreciated, and I can be surrounded by like-minded individuals on the cutting edge of art and tech.

My journey into web3 has given me valuable insights, not only into art and technology but also into patience, planning, community building, and more. I’ve also begun working in new mediums as a direct result of being in web3.

OpenSea: Can you tell us a little about the Being collection and the inspiration behind it?

Parin Heidari: Being is two pieces – “Creation” and “Recreation” – which capture the journey of life and identity.

The collection explores themes of birth, transformation, and the development of one’s own unique identity, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound journey of life and the endless possibilities it holds.

The open edition piece, “Creation”, explores the metaphorical moments before birth, similar to a baby in the womb, surrounded by darkness. Much like a blank canvas awaiting its first strokes, this piece symbolizes the potential and innocence each person possesses before entering the world. 

OpenSea: What was the process of creating this collection like? 

Parin Heidari: “Creation” was made using both hands simultaneously with my eyes closed, highlighting the juxtaposition of the complexity of the process and the simplicity of linework. I imagined myself as an unborn baby, in her mother’s body, about to enter the unknown world while still in a safe place. The face has relatively undefined features and is being held in her creator’s hand.

“Recreation” followed a similar process, but was made while I was thinking about my own journey of life. It’s about all the phases I went through to find myself and to find who I want to be.

OpenSea: Was it different or similar to creating your past collections?

Parin Heidari: I typically create a physical [piece] with two hands simultaneously, that I then recreate digitally. The difference here pertains more to my use of negative space and the black background. Additionally, the process here felt somehow deeper. It was like being hypnotized and led through all moments of my life and evolution, from birth to the person I am today.

OpenSea: If you had to use one word or phrase to describe Being what would it be?

‍Parin Heidari: Life-cycle.

OpenSea: Who or what else excites you in the web3 and NFT space right now?

Parin Heidari: Observing numerous creative individuals gaining recognition and love for their art and how they are shaping a cultural landscape is inspiring. My ongoing fascination with the fusion of art and technology, and [how] they work harmoniously to bring immense value to this space, has been one of the most exciting aspects of the NFTs.

OpenSea: Big picture, what do you hope the future of NFTs looks like?

Parin Heidari: Decentralization: A continued focus on decentralization would enable artists and creators to have more control over their work and the NFT market, reducing the influence of centralized platforms.

Cultural Impact: NFTs could potentially reshape how we define ownership, royalties, and digital content creation, impacting not only the art and entertainment industry but also the broader economy.

Creative Innovation: NFTs could continue to foster innovation in the digital arts and entertainment, opening up new possibilities for creators and audiences alike.

See the whole collection on OpenSea here.