Today we’d like to introduce you to Paris Farrell.
Paris, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well I’m originally from the Philadelphia area I’ve been in Chicago for about seven years now and every year has been pretty much a progression towards me further in my (day job) career and artistic ability. Even though I consider myself a professional artist today it wasn’t an easy path to success. When I first arrived in Chicago, it took me about a year to get on my feet financially, so my initial year was a bit of a struggle.
However I was able to secure a full-time position which allowed me to get on my feet and finally have a sense of stability. That being said I can attribute my initiation into the art world to one single act. I was walking down the street downtown and I just happened to walk past a Blick art store and my curiosity must’ve gotten the better of me. I only had $30 in terms of “extra” money to basically get me through to the next pay. But I felt compelled to at least walk through the art store to at least look around.
To my surprise I was able to afford a canvas and some paint. Once I got home, I felt compelled to basically work on my first piece which I still have today. I would say this is definitely the beginning of me feeling confident enough to actually make something artistically through painting. I had mainly done drawings when I was younger but never worked with paints or works on canvas.
But even then I didn’t look at myself as professional artist, it took a few years after painting my first piece for me get that last nudge of inspiration. I was hanging with a friend, Phil Minefee, who is a photographer and he was actually hanging out with one of his friends who was a Cosmetologist. Both talked of their progression in their respective industries and I was inspired. I felt confident I could do the same and that was when I self-proclaimed myself as a professional artist. Luckily for me I’ve have had numerous opportunities to showcase my work through connections I already had or new ones that were formed during my journey. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has shown support because it has definitely provided me the creative freedom and confidence to keep making art.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I alluded to earlier, the start to my professional career in both HR and artistically weren’t easy by any measure. Recently, I’ve struggled with finding the time to consistently pick up a brush and canvas. The demands of the “9 to 5” can easily consume most of my day now. And I’ve added an additional challenge by going back to school to further enhance my HR proficiency. So at the end of the (long) day, I’m finding it harder to focus but the passion and creative spark still consume my mind daily.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about YourPerfectFind – what should we know?
I’m a professional artist but I specify in original paintings of my own thought and design. While I do most of my works on canvas, I do incorporate a bit of photography to create mixed media works as well.
I work out of my home studio which allows me to hang my “works in progress” throughout the space. Nothing like having an incomplete canvas “staring” back at you every day. I figure if I’m constantly looking at a piece, I just might get that next inspiring moment to add an additional element.
What makes my work unique is the attention to detail throughout entire body of work. I would say that my greatest achievement so far has been my versatility and growth as an artist.
I take pride in knowing that every piece was crafted with a level of detail and craftsmanship. I don’t repeat the same images twice so every piece is truly unique. Thus making it “your perfect find”.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I will have to say one of my biggest supporters is my wife who has seen my progression 1st hand. I am lucky to have great friends, who have also shown a lot of support by coming out to support my gallery showings, marketing events or even purchasing some of my pieces. Which of course is extremely humbling. And lastly I would say my mom who has indirectly inspired me to be creative. She’s always had an eye for design, so while growing up, I lived in a home that was full of vibrant colors and a collection of unique oddities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourperfectfind.info
- Email: www.yourperfectfind@gmail.com
- Instagram: YourPerfectFind
- Facebook: YourPerfectFind
- Twitter: @YourPerfectFind
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
