Today we’d like to introduce you to Arris Cohen.
Arris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been an artist all my life. My father, uncle, and grandfather all had the artistic ability as did I. Attending the Cleveland School of the Arts helped me hone my talent throughout middle and high school. I stayed away from it in college as my focus became living and learning about who I was as an adult. Upon not finishing my degree and becoming a father twice over in 2007, I entered the workforce and struggled my way to partial homelessness between 2012-2014. With the help of some very good friends, I was able to begin to stabilize my life and reconcile with my now wife. I was hired at the Aloft Hotel in Westerville in 2018 after struggling to find a job I was comfortable with. I worked there for three years and became the Assistant General Manager in my final year there, 2020. As we all know, the pandemic hit at that time and it devastated the hospitality industry. As a result, I was laid off at the top of 2021 as I faced a life-changing decision. It was my paradigm that then was my last chance to follow my dream of becoming a visual artist. After a lot of prep, unemployment payments, and second-guessing, I finally took the leap in July of 2021. Since then, I have traveled to Chicago and Atlanta to paint, I’ve been an art vendor at two different festivals, I’ve completed many commissions, worked with Fearless Dialogues in Atlanta, had my first solo art show with the Maroon Arts Group. I’m currently showing with the Frank W. hale Cultural Center at the Ohio State University through mid-August. They’ve also acquired my largest piece to date for their permanent collection. Opportunities continue to abound and I am preparing for a group show with the Ohio Arts Council at the Riffe Center Gallery in January through April of 2023. I am humbled and excited by the trajectory at which this is all beginning to come to fruition!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I spoke of some of the struggles I’ve had. From homelessness to having many children during my time of vulnerability and self-doubt, this journey has been very difficult. I’ve lost some great support in my friend Sharon Colbert who passed in 2017. The pandemic and being laid off, as a result, was definitely a trying time. I’ve learned from intensive counseling and my time as a manager, mistakes and obstacles are merely opportunities to improve myself for the next opportunity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a classically trained visual artist. My abilities span from multimedia illustrations to acrylic painting, which is my focus currently. My root interests include murals, jewelry making, and sculpting, of which I plan to focus on as I continue to establish myself in the Columbus Art Scene. I’m most proud of my efficiency as an acrylic painter thus far. My solo show consisted of 17 works that have been created within the past two years. This is impressive for me as I’ve had a tough time completing work in the past. My tenacity and ability to adjust and work in many environments sets me apart from others. I pride myself in being culturally aware although I identify as African American primarily and wholeheartedly, being cultured and immersive are important standout traits that I embrace.
What makes you happy?
The artistic process of conceptualizing and completing a piece is most fulfilling for me because it is the culmination of all of my efforts. It’s a process that reminds me that I’ve found my way in life. Blessed is a man that has found his work. When I create, my dream is reality. I’m happy because I’ve always dreamed of becoming an artist as far back as I can recall.
Pricing:
- Original pieces ranging from $500 to $3500
- Commissions starting at 32×40 at $1500
- Workshops and live painting events at $500
- High-quality prints as low as $50-$200
- Framing services and logos starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: arriscreates.art
- Instagram: @sir_ra_aesthetics
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ArrisJCohen
