I create art to give form to feeling: turning quiet emotions, nature, and memory into something you can see and hold.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite type of art to create is deeply tactile and soulful: ceramics, fiber art, and sculptural pieces that feel both ancient and alive. I’m drawn to organic forms, earthy textures, asymmetry, and pieces that carry emotion and energy rather than just decoration. love creating work that blends softness and rawness: handbuilt forms, woven elements, dandelion motifs, warm natural tones, and imperfect textures that feel human and grounding.
Where do you find inspiration?For me, art is not only visual; it’s energetic. I want people to feel something when they encounter my work — comfort, curiosity, nostalgia, calm, or even a quiet sense of transformation. I’m especially inspired by nature, symbolism, and the beauty of things that are fragile yet resilient.
What would you do with $25,000?I’d use part of it to expand my art business creating new ceramic and fiber collections, improving my studio setup, professionally photographing my work, and growing my online presence. I would also love to create a larger sculptural lighting collection and experiment with more ambitious installations that combine ceramics, weaving, texture, and light in immersive ways.
Vote for Polina Shakhyan to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Tue 5/12 at 9PM PDT
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
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