Meet Arris Cohen | Visual Artist and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arris Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arris, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has changed as my responsibilities to my career and family size has increased. Focusing on Art as a career in self employment increased the amount of work I have to do daily. I balance both with a routine that I constantly reevaluate and change as needed. All of this time management is supplemented with counseling and self time for mental maintenance. Over time, it has all started to get a bit easier although there are always peaks and valleys.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist, I pride myself in having classical training from a performing arts high school. Creating and Arts enthusiasm runs on both side of my family. Currently, I work primarily with acrylic and oil paint on canvas or wood. I’m most excited about my inaugural community Artist residency with the Urban Art Space and all of the community work that I do with them as well as teaching acrylic painting at Franklinton High School. What sets me apart from other artists is my ability to capture audiences with my work visually while telling an intricate and autobiographic story that is unique and important to the work that I do. I reached this point professionally because of the devastation the pandemic caused the hotel industry. After being laid off, I decided that becoming a full time artist was the only path for me professionally. It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary. I overcame the challenges because i am not only caring for myself. My family is most important, so success is imminent. Failures have been learning lessons and I’ve enjoyed every step of the journey thus far. I want the world to know that my story of redemption can help someone overcome their own turmoil and my brand focuses on art as a bridge to cultural connection and therapy that we all need as humans in contemporary times.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would go on an art walk in Franklinton, short north, olde town east and bronzeville. We would eat at North Market where there are many different varieties of food to choose. We would definitely visit OSU campus and the Art Museum. I’d take them to Skatezone 71 on Sunday and United Skates on Tuesday for the adult skate sessions. We would try to get to an OSU football tailgate and a game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my Family, the senior staff and interns at Urban Art Space, Maroon Arts Group, Lisa Florman and Maurice Stevens at OSU and all of the staff at Franklinton High School

Website: arriscreates.art

Instagram: @sir_ra_aesthetics

Linkedin: Arris J. Cohen

Facebook: Arris’ J. Cohen

Image Credits
Iyana Hill