I am an enthusiastic mix of biologist and artist. While building the career in pharmaceutical industry, I pursued my creative interests as well. That included studying printmaking, 2D design, photography, ceramics, jewelry design and enameling.

My work is a joyful reflection of the forms and colors around us. I want to capture the fleeting exuberance of flowers, beauty of ornate textiles in a composition, decadent urban decay, and people being in their environment. There are no restraints, only a happy mess of colorful patterns surrounding  interesting objects, a person, or an occasional critter.

In 2012 I opened Small Joys Studio and Gallery. It is a creative working space as well as a gallery that hosts pop-up exhibitions and shows featuring work of guest artists.

Growing up in an artistic family, I had strong support for creativity. I watched my grandmother sew gorgeous ballroom gowns for me, and then helped Mom to embroider them with seed beads and sequins. I loved to sit quietly at my father’s studio as he drew and painted in his spare time.

Exploring the woods and my parent’s garden in my early years, I developed a keen appreciation for the incredible diversity of nature, which became my inspiration.

As a research scientist, I feel that my professional experience and my art are closely intertwined. Many of my design ideas come from way back and are rooted in studies I had done even as a student. In the end it all came together and prompted the search for creative outlets throughout my life and career in science.

Inna Dzhanibekova