Broke Girl Crush: Parvez Taj + Win Free Art

We don’t often profile men, mostly because they’re usually not worth it -- why waste time on boys when there are so many amazing Broke Girls out there? Today, however, we’re making an exception, both because we have a little Broke Girl crush on today’s interviewee -- Parvez Taj --  and because he’s offered to give away a piece of his artwork to one lucky BGG subscriber. To be entered to win, just ‘like’ us on Facebook and leave a comment mentioning where you’ll hang the 40x30 stretched canvas (pictured below) or RT our giveaway tweet.

BGG: Hi, Parvez.  How did you get into the artwork you’re doing now?
PT: I have always been creative, but it took me awhile to find a medium to express myself -- if you don’t count talking...or dancing.  When I was in Uni, I went to the exhibition of an artist that blends photography into his artwork, and I thought that it was a spectacular visual.  I was really into fashion photography at the time and I thought this was an interesting combination that had yet to be explored.  I wanted to pioneer the medium because I believed in the content.

BGG: Your work is so unique.  Can you describe your methods?
PT: It is a combination of paintings and photography – blended together -- that could be anywhere from 3 to 30 layers. I create a file with the final composition and print it on a variety of substrates including canvas, aluminum, bamboo.  

My inks lie boldly on the bamboo which looks great because of the contrast against the natural grain of the bamboo.  The aluminum really pops the colors and the iridescent reflection almost becomes a source of light.

BGG: Have you ever had any epic art fails?
PT: It’s tough to define a “fail” -- often my favorite designs are the least popular.  Art is a personal  “eye of the beholder” kind of thing.

BGG: Have you tried any other mediums, or do you plan to?
PT: I am always working with new mediums, whether it is for commercial purposes or just for fun.  For example, I build tables, sculptures, and string art all the time. I am also really into video -- you can see some of these on my YouTube channel.

BGG: Do you have any suggestions for art lovers who don't have a lot of dough to spend?
PT: Check out my event on Gilt today -- can’t beat those prices!

BGG: Do you have favorite local restaurants/bars/boutiques/galleries?
PT: My favorite restaurant is the Chateau Marmont because I can walk to it and they have a killer bolognese, great wine, and an unbeatable atmosphere.  This is followed closely by the Soho House, which is a great bar/restaurant combo.  An evening of drinks at the bar, a big dinner in the garden, and then back to drinks at the bar.  This is a perfect night for me.

In terms of galleries, the “Broad Contemporary” at LACMA has a lot of really cool pieces.

BGG: Soho House and Chateau aren’t exactly Broke Girl-friendly (though you’re welcome to take us there anytime you’d like). Do you have any favorite spots that aren’t so - um - $$$$?
PT: Chez Jay.

BGG: We have a crush on you. Are you single?
PT: I’m still looking for the right girl -- maybe she is a Broke Girl?

A little about me -- I like long walks on the beach, and when girls let me do the dishes....

BGG: What's your go-to date spot?
PT: I can’t give up all my secrets!

Parry Sound 40x30 Stretched Canvas

The giveaway contest ends at midnight on August 26th. The winner will be contacted on Monday, August 29th.