Meet Ayin Es | Contemporary Visual Artist

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

Hi Ayin, how do you think about risk?
RISK is not just a job requirement, it’s most necessary for creating any art that’s worthwhile. I consider risk-taking one of the most important parts of both my process and my career. It is a risk in this society to be vulnerable. It is a risk to stand in one’s truth. There can be an element of risk at every opportunity that presents itself, and it’s a matter of how you react. These opportunities present themselves in the painting process too. Sometimes, I will go with my gut, and other times I will even challenge my instincts. This keeps it so I am always evolving, and that’s very important to me. I don’t want to make the same shit over and over, at least not for too long. I need to take that risk to try something new, no matter the potential fears or consequences.

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 have always been a “struggling” artist, all the while having major successes along the way. It’s probably not all that different from most artists, but perhaps the work itself has set me apart in that it’s not exactly commercial or saleable to a wide audience. Despite this challenge, I’ve never made anything I didn’t want to make. I’ve always stood my ground, even if it meant eating Top Ramen for a long time between sales. So, no, it wasn’t easy to get where I am.

There was a time when being “self-taught” was not at all popular, and this was a significant challenge among my peers, receiving grants and awards, getting into galleries, etc. I felt I had to work that much harder to earn respect (if I ever did), acceptance, and recognition.

I am glad that I persevered and that it became my nature to keep trying no matter what. I became loyal to myself and developed a strong integrity in my art. I learned that this was more important than climbing the ladder. In the end, making myself happy with the art I make is more important than the accolades I receive, so I’ve come to learn how to redefine success in this way. I think the actual work is most important, and if you’re satisfied with how it’s coming along, then you’re succeeding. Your audience is out there, and it will come. I try to “preach” this ideal to other artists because I think it’s important for people to stay authentic, especially when life is so short and so fragile.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

When I’m in Los Angeles, I always take people to Griffith Park and the Observatory because every part of it is just filled with history and beauty. To me, it is the core center of the gorgeous, green LA metropolis.

I would also take them to Joshua Tree, where I now reside. The high desert is the most magical place there is. There’s something about the landscape here that captures people’s hearts and imaginations. Once you visit, you’ll see what I mean.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

The person who deserves the biggest shoutout is really my partner of almost 24 years, Hannah Phillips (hannahxx.com). She has believed in me more than anyone else on the planet. She encourages me to be who I am and makes me a stronger artist and person overall. A talented writer and artist herself, the inspiration she gives to me keeps me going in this life. I cannot thank her enough.

I’d also like to give a shoutout to artist Margeaux Walter (@margeauxwalter), a highly talented photographer who recently moved here from New York. Her work is standout, important, and extraordinary. It inspires me, and she definitely deserves additional recognition.

Website: esart.com

Instagram: @ayin_es_art

Other: esart.com/blog

Image Credits
Ayin working photo by Jorge Davies Installation 2 photo by Alan Shaffer All others by the artist.