b'RAINBOW CONNECT MEMBER SPOTLIGHTEmbracing the Artist WithinEdmonton-based Riyaz Sharan turns his art hobby into a viable side businessBy Haley England This push sent Sharan to the printers, and then, to his first art market. I had never shown my illustrations before that day, so that was a unique time for me. Youre hearing all these positive things, and with art, its you on display in your work and it makes you vulnerable because youre always hearing the positives and the negatives of what you do, he says. Today, Sharan has won 20 awards for his work and received accolades and nominations for many of his pieces. He pays homage to Edmonton with much of his art and hopes to elevate the broader perception out there of his hometown. As a person who lives in Edmonton, he says, the stereotype was that there wasnt much to do during the winter and there wasnt a lot to do during the summer unless you wanted to be at the festivals. EVERYDAY WONDERSSharans work celebrates the everyday wonders of the city and his work can be viewed on his website rssdesigns.ca. If you look at my illustration of the Garneau, its an iconic theatre. But the way that I portrayed it kind of gave it that mid-century modern vibe that brought you back to what the Garneau was like back in the day. Or when you look at my High Level Bridge piece, its romantic, with the full moon and the colours. You can envision yourself being there, Sharan says.Riyaz SharanSharans active Instagram account and social media presence L ess than two years ago, Riyaz Sharans art andhave provided insight from his followers. By using polls and photography were collecting digital dust on his laptop.requesting feedback, he is able to mix his own inspiration with Ive always been a creative individual, since I was a littlewhat his audience is looking for. With people staying home more kid. Growing up, youre always told that you cant make a careerduring the pandemic, for instance, he has turned some of his out of art. So in my mind, it was a hobby, Sharan says. With a mindset focused on separating passion and profession, Sharan taught himself photography, illustration and graphic design on the side. His art served as an outlet for depression andIt was my husband anxiety and provided an opportunity to sit with his feelings as heand a close friend brought his concepts to life. I wasnt always in a position, work-wise, that brought me creative joy, so I started putting my energywho eventually into learning and then creating, and that brought me joy, he says. Despite his incessant passion for art and creativity, Sharanpushed me to was hesitant to release his art into the world until those close toshare whathim gave him a little nudge. It was my husband and a close friend who eventually pushed me to share what I was creating, he says.I was creatingIn the past, I didnt have the self-esteem or opportunity to put my creative ideas out there. They stepped up and told me that it was- RIYAZ SHARANtime to do it. 26| QBiz CANADA | Issue 2 2021'