Interview with An1
Through her art, she explores profound themes of resilience, spirituality, and the human experience, drawing insights from her daily encounters with life's fragility. An1’s unique perspective not only inspires the creation of evocative artworks but also fosters healing and connection within her community.
We had the privilege of speaking with An1, a multifaceted artist, collector and hospice nurse whose creative journey is influenced by personal experiences as well as her cultural heritage as an Armenian-American woman.
An1 draws creativity from the weight of her experience. An artist but also a collector, a mother, and a hospice nurse, each role informs the others:
“Balancing my roles as an artist, a collector, a mother, and a hospice nurse is a daily journey. Each role informs the other, and I draw strength from the different aspects of my life. As a mother, I’m continuously inspired by the growth and curiosity of my son”.
Her work as a hospice nurse, where she encounters life's fragility daily, profoundly influences her artistic expression. “Art becomes a therapeutic outlet for me, helping me process the emotions from my nursing work. It's less about balance and more about allowing each role to feed into my creative process.”
An1's heritage as an Armenian-American woman plays a significant role in her work.
“I was born in Armenia, and my heritage is deeply rooted in Urartu and Anatolia. This historical connection to a rich cultural past influences my work, especially in how I explore themes like resilience, spirituality, numerology, mythologies and survival. I’d introduce myself as someone who has lived through these identities - an Armenian-American woman who brings the stories of my ancestors into modern forms of art, blending ancient symbols with futuristic elements. My heritage gives me a strong foundation to experiment with both the old and the new, always in search of deeper meaning.”
Living in New York for 11 years, but now based in Los Angeles, a city celebrated for its vibrant art scene, An1 acknowledges the rich opportunities it presents, especially in the Web3 space. Yet, despite the opportunities, her responsibilities have kept her from attending many of these events. “In fact, I’ve never attended a Web3 event in real life here in LA, even though I know they’re fascinating and offer incredible opportunities. I truly wish I had more time to explore this side of the community, and hopefully one day I will.”
Before the pandemic, she frequently visited museums and exhibitions, experiences that deeply shaped her artistic vision. : “Those experiences greatly informed my artistic vision”, she recalls. However, when COVID-19 hit, her focus shifted to her urgent role as a frontline nurse, a transition that deeply influenced her life and creativity.
“As a frontline nurse during the pandemic, I encountered the fragility of life daily. It changed me, and that energy found its way into my art,” An1 explains. “I was drawn even more to spiritual themes, exploring the mysteries of consciousness and the grief that surrounded me. Art became a way to heal - not just myself, but those who viewed it.”
During this challenging time, her homeland was also under attack: “I lost many relatives and friends. This made surviving the period even harder”, she reflects. I focused on doing whatever I could - helping here, helping there, and trying to help myself. But I can’t lie and say it didn’t impact my mental health. I was completely crushed and devastated, and to this day, I haven’t fully healed from what the war did to me. It was a time of profound pain, and all of that found its way into my art, serving as both an outlet and a reflection of my inner world.”
Despite the constraints of her demanding roles, An1 has stayed engaged with the art community through digital platforms. “I minted my first NFT in March 2021. At that time, the space felt like the wild west—there was this energy of excitement and uncertainty. It was a new frontier, and everyone was figuring things out. It was new platforms and 100’s of new words into our vocabularies” she recalls. While the space has matured, the excitement for innovation and expression remains. “The community has grown, and I feel honored to have been part of that journey from the beginning.”
What drove her initial interest was the potential of NFTs to democratize the art world. “The freedom was so attractive, I couldn’t resist. It gave artists like me a platform to reach global audiences without the traditional gatekeepers”.
For newcomers, she advises, “Stay true to your vision. The space can be overwhelming, but authenticity always resonates with collectors and the community. Taking breaks is vital, essential.”
Guided by the mantra of the “3 Cs—Consistency, Creativity, and Confidence,” An1 emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse styles and focusing on the artistic process rather than sales or competition. “In art, everything is okay. If you have 15 different signature styles, that’s perfect - explore them, advance your skills, and focus on the art and your soul. If you have one signature style, use that to express your feelings. Be free and be yourself. It’s easier said than done, but it is possible. Prioritizing the creative process is essential”.
One of her most meaningful pieces is ARCL1NE, exploring themes of transformation and the divine feminine. “This piece was inspired by my own spiritual journey, particularly the concept of rebirth, which is something I see often in my hospice work. It's a reminder that death is not an end but a transition, and I wanted to capture that in my art.”
Each of her pieces is accompanied by descriptions written as poems or prose, adding another layer of meaning to her work. “I write all my descriptions myself”, she explains.
Her creative process is deeply connected to her environment: “I need to have a clean house or, at the very least, a spotless room to paint. It’s how my mind works - for those who know even a little about numerology, I have the energy of 4, and the role of 1. I need a detoxed, clean space that allows me to express myself more freely and clearly. When I do start painting, I often lie down on my stomach and can work for 9 to 10 hours straight, taking only a few smoke breaks in between” she shares. “It’s intense, and while it has its downsides—like carpal tunnel and neck stiffness - it’s worth it for me.”
Her process is spontaneous, without pre-sketches, or drawing inspiration from documentaries, ancient civilizations (such as Egyptians, Sumerians, or Armenians), or experiences with patients at work: “It could be an event at work, a patient's passing, or something a patient said that deeply impacted me. My art is inspired by my personal growth and the pains and joys I experience daily, with my life as a human being serving as the core inspiration.I change? My art changes accordingly. It’s my thoughts out loud. Art is just my 4th language and it has changed and saved my life multiple times.”
In her recent collections, An1 has incorporated AI, pushing her creative boundaries: “AI allows me to reimagine ideas in ways that would be difficult with traditional methods, giving me the freedom to experiment and evolve.”
One of her most personal collections, “No1 Knows”, explores hidden aspects of life and her own experiences, using AI to bridge the gap between reality and imagination. The pieces have a quality reminiscent of film photography with a twist.
Photography remains one of her favorite mediums, especially the mystic feel of black-and-white, grainy film. “It’s so magical that after collecting thousands of them, I decided to risk and try to visualize what I can create, not being a photographer myself, but professionally. And when my world known award-winning photographer friends and artists told me they could not believe it was Ai, I knew it was a successful project and I could not be more proud.”
Some call it post-photography; she sees it as an evolution: “ - taking traditional mediums and pushing them into the future. I am a firm believer of Creators being creators – with any medium – art is always art if you call it art. Many may oppose, it is not a popular opinion, but human and art history shows and proves the above. I see the human birth as the highest form of creation and all humans as creations and creators.”
Her experiences as a hospice nurse have also shaped her spiritual perspective. “It’s impossible not to reflect on life’s deeper meanings when you’re so close to its end every day. This experience influences my art, especially in exploring themes like the divine feminine, connection to the universe, and the idea of rebirth.” This connection between her spiritual views and her work with AI highlights her belief in creation in all its forms, as both a reflection of life and a means to explore deeper truths.
This depth is closely tied to her belief in the healing power of art. “Art is my fourth language. I create because I heal”, she shares. This statement resonates strongly with the concept of art therapy, where creation serves as a pathway to process emotions and trauma. For An1, art is more than just a medium of expression; it can also be “a therapeutic act, both for the artist and the viewer.“Art therapy is a powerful tool, and I’m a big believer in its potential to help people cope with trauma and grief. Art can serve as a strong outlet for processing emotions and experiences, helping to heal, reduce stress, and foster self-awareness, ultimately supporting mental health and personal growth.”
Mandalas have become a central motif in An1’s work, symbolizing “wholeness, balance, and healing.” She first encountered them during a period of personal transformation, and they have since become a way for her to navigate complex emotions and altered states of consciousness. “Each mandala I create is intended to carry healing energy, offering a visual representation of inner balance and peace”, she explains. This intention is evident in the intricate designs, which invite a meditative experience.
Her focus on healing naturally extends to her belief in self-improvement. “The principles of self-improvement are integral to my life and art. I believe that we are constantly evolving, and this growth should be reflected in our creative work,” she says. This commitment to growth pushes her to continually challenge herself, approaching both life and art with a mindset of learning and expansion.
While Los Angeles has a growing scene centered on mindfulness and spirituality, An1’s current responsibilities have kept her from engaging with it directly. “I really do not have the time to be involved,” she admits. But her interest in such practices runs deep; she recalls her time in New York, where she explored various forms of healing. “I’m a huge fan and believer in practices like psychoanalysis, aromatherapy, sound therapy, Reiki, and other healing modalities”, she says. These methods have influenced how she approaches both her personal growth and her art.
An1’s journey into building a community around her art is inspiring. Initially unsure of how to promote her work, she reflects, “I always thought I was terrible at marketing”. “But life showed me that when you love what you do and stay honest—without masks or fake intentions—everything works out perfectly.”
She transitioned from a fighter for justice—often facing criticism—to a positive force within the community, focused on sharing her experiences and helping others succeed alongside her. “My focus is on growing together, creating a more intelligent and supportive community, rather than just focusing on myself.” The NFT space offered her a unique platform to connect with both collectors and fellow artists, fostering relationships that have become deeply meaningful.
Looking ahead, she envisions a future of continued growth, emphasizing collaboration and pushing the boundaries of what can be created together. “The Web3 community has been incredible for me. I’ve found some of my best friends here—genuine, kind souls who have supported me both as an artist and as a human being. I can honestly say that building these connections has been the best thing that’s happened to me” she shares.
For An1, the relationships she’s built in the Web3 space are what keep her grounded and motivated, even as many others from the early days have moved on. “Networking and forming genuine, human connections are what keep me in this space, despite all the ups and downs in Web3,” she adds.
