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

Hi Alisa, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I often get asked “how do you know when a piece you are working on is finished?” A difficult question, and one that I do not have a real answer for. I know that it is done, because I feel that there is nothing more I can or want to do to the piece. I look at that work and I am happy with my decisions for it, and proud to share it with others. Not much is different if I am to answer how I know whether to keep going or to give up, as it relates to both life in general and a work of art in particular. Both are equally valid choices, neither one wrong. I feel that you know, because no matter the decision, you are content after you make it. Giving up does not mean failure, just like pushing forward does not equal success. The vulnerability of letting go can be just as strengthening as the push to keep going. Simply stated, moving forward sometimes is brought forth by the act of giving up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There is a series I am currently working on. A collection of small works; drawings and paintings. The title that drives this emerging body of work is called “in the silence… conversations without words.” I would describe the nature of these works as short isolated moments of configuration, and introspective conversations. To me, these are the most beautiful moments we experience, so I work to create like moments for my viewers. As far back as I can remember, and from the stories my family tells of me as a child, my curiosity has always been in looking at things closer. Imagining the unspoken story attached to the person or the object I find myself enveloped in. I would say my greatest strength as an artist, and as a teacher lays in my pursuit of seeing correctly, not just looking. A process that is ideal in theory, yet quite difficult in practice. A practice that I work to pass on to my students. With each piece I start, and work through, there are many lessons I learn. Sometimes technique and skill are what I gain, sometimes a concept comes together better than I could have ever imagined, and sometimes the piece embodies both these things. Yet, my favorite part is the journey…where ideas are tossed around, aesthetics measured, conversations and work in progress critiques are had, and where you play with the medium you have chosen. My passion for creating and my curiosities about the nature of people are what drive my art.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I love the beach, there is no other place like it for me. Currently, I love going to Manhattan beach, laying out by that area near the pier, listening to the waves crash, splashing around in the water and having dinner at this place called The Strand House. Their pizza is delicious…but pizza is never not delicious! KazuNori, readers do yourselves a favor and go there. It is a great experience. Also, visit every gallery and museum, start with The Broad and work your way to the Getty.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am one lucky lady! I have had the privilege of abundance with support and mentorship. There are many people in my life, both past and present, that encouraged and guided me along the seasons of my path thus far. Teachers who have helped me be a better artist, a stronger female, a deeper thinker, and more confident in my growth journey. For them, I am unmeasurably thankful.

Instagram: @allybar_art
Linkedin: Alisa Barsegyan

Image Credits
All the photos I provided were taken by me