Originating from Russia and brought up in Connecticut, Masha Parfenov is a textile designer and fine artist currently based out of Harlem and a designer at a women-run print design studio located in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
Captivated by tattoo culture and the storytelling nature of the craft, Masha found her way to tattoo design eight years ago and has designed pieces for clients of all ages. She dreams to one day take the time to learn the art of tattooing as well, but after graduating from FIT’s Textile/Surface Design program in May of 2019, she fell in love with designing prints.
As an in house freelancer for a small business she finds herself continuously learning new techniques and expanding her skillset. Designing prints involves a combination of repetition, experimentation, and adaptability to achieve different styles in demand from clients and trends alike. Masha creates prints through hand-drawing processes marrying digital techniques with mixed mediums. From effortless vibrant watercolor florals, to intricate traditional paisleys, to bold larger than life abstract compositions, Masha is able to captivate and bring to life one-of-a-kind prints of every style.
Masha is driven by the desire to explore outside the bustling city she calls home. Her inspiration for personal work stems largely from natural elements seen through her adventures around the world. She finds great interest in incorporating elements of nature in innovative ways through geometric and abstract forms.
Masha’s relationship with the art began far before her focus on textile design. She began studying fine art at a classical Russian art school, The Palette Art Studio, with Natasha Piskunova at the age of four. She studied there for 14 years and eventually instructed classes. She mastered classical drawing, oil painting, and developed a keen eye for color, composition, and design. Throughout the years Masha has continued to express her artistry beyond the textile industry by designing murals at schools and restaurants, drawing menu boards, creating chalk murals, teaching sip n' paint classes, and working at a pottery studio. She continues to create and give back in any way possible in between working at her studio to share her passion and creativity.
