Meet Azurah H. of Inglewood, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Azurah H.

Azurah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been an artist for as long as I can remember: around the same time I was thought to read and write, I also taught myself how to paint. Watercolors were/always will be my favorite. As i got older, i transitioned to sketching. I always preferred to keep my art more abstract leaning, I’ve always felt a more openness’s and warmth with creating abstract art because I felt it was more accepting. Another reason why I prefer it, is because around the age thirteen, I developed the hoop by photography. I was a natural, and I fell in love. Oddly enough, through learning photography, it made creating art more exciting. I delved deeper into abstract concepts with the idea that I’m capturing reality through my lens, so i will create with my brushes. Later, at about nineteen, I discovered digital art. It was truly my iPad and I against the world as i entered a new realm of creation. I thought myself the ropes along with tips from Pinterest, and I fell deeper into love with the gift God gave me. I still have so much to learn, and am considering obtaining a formal education through actually attending art school. No matter how much knowledge I do obtain, I am blessed to forever be a student.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been quite a bumpy road. I have more traditional parents, and though they never truly condemned my dreams of being an artist, they didn’t really support it until i started selling canvases. Then, the questions along the lines of, “Have you created anything lately?” Or, “Have you sold any pieces?” Or my favorite, “ I was thinking of this concept, can you bring it to life for me?” Although it was a bit delayed, I’m glad they came around. However, my maternal grandparents acknowledged my gift very early on. They actually are the ones who bought me my first watercolors, brushes, and easel. They, kept (and still have) nearly every pieces i drew, every short story I wrote, and every piece I painted. My grandfather was actually the one who taught me to sign and date every single piece I made, so I can always look back at how far I’ve progressed. The only struggle I battle with to date is how exclusive the art world can be. It hasn’t felt welcoming to new artists at all from my perspective and I would love to collaborate with other creatives so we can break up that tension and make the creative realm a more welcoming space for new, up-and-coming artists.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I selected “other” because I identify as a Jill of all trades. I can/will strive to do it all, and well. Primarily I’m an artist. I am also a freelance professional photographer, which I have been doing seriously for over 5 years. My niche is sports photography, but I’m passionate about urban photography as well as editorial work through fashion and design. Something that is more of a hobby for me now is content creation. I’ve been interested in predominantly youtube since I was at least sixteen. I’ve had two channels and the one I have currently is my pride and joy. I find such a creative release when producing videos, or even just throughout the editing process. It’s truly a safe haven for me and it’s my goal to make it a safe haven for my viewers as well. I’m also currently in school working towards obtaining my AS in Paralegal Studies so I can work in and eventually take over my father’s law firm, Power Immigration Law, APC. So he can either retire early or take a sizable step back to focus on hobbies and travel. Essentially my aim is to show him how much I appreciate his hard work and dedication to provide for my our family and provide help to those trying to find a better life. After that, my goal is to put myself through art school and fashion school in order to establish a stable foundation for myself to truly understand the realms in which I am so passionate about, and have been passionate about since i was a child. Lastly, but certainly not least, I would eventually like to enter the field of real estate. On my paternal side I have a cousin who is a contractor with his own company, and my younger brother is considering a major in architecture upon his commencement into college, so why not keep it all in the family with me being a broker as well? I think it’s a wonderful idea.
I am most proud of my content creation and my artistry. I am proud of myself for having the courage to be perceived. sometimes it still intimidates me, but I’m proud of the fact that I have never and will never give up. I don’t care how many writing blocks, artist’s blocks, or other curveballs are thrown my way in this journey, I will never stop.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my originality. I strive to create organic content. One day when I’m published in a gallery somewhere, I know for a fact that my piece(s) won’t be like anything else in that gallery. I used to feel awkward when my pieces didn’t look like everyone else’s in enrichment class in elementary and middle school, now I wear my originality like a badge of honor.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Email me! I would absolutely love to collaborate with other creatives, join together, compose beautiful works, and brainstorm ideas to bring more positive attention to these spaces. Support on the other hand is far more simple. I’ll take anything: a like on my art page, a repost, a share. These things go a long way, and they are the most appreciated. You don’t always have to buy a piece to support an artist. Anything is treasured.

Pricing:

• 8 x 10 = $90
• 11 x 14 = $150
• 12 x 16 = $210
• digital framed piece 8 x 10 = $80
• digital framed piece 11 x 14 = $140

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @artbyazvrah
• Youtube: @azvrahsworld

Image Credits
all photos are taken by Azurah T. Hays
all artworks are created by Azurah T. Hays