By now we've all heard the phrase, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar," this is not one of those times. For Sasha Sazonov a cigar is a canvas, reminiscent of ancient papyrus scrolls as used by Egyptian artisans. It has a rough textured surface perfect for gouache paint and egg tempura medium when drawing fine lines using small brushes. He learned his techniques while studying at the Syzran Art School and Penza Art College, both located in Central Russia before relocating to New York City. His idea to use cigars originated in the late 90's while running his souvenir shop that was located on the concourse level of the World Trade Center. In his shop he frequently sold small artwork painted on matchbooks, something he continues to do today. Next to his shop was a small kiosk that sold cigars, it was then that it occurred to Sazonov that a dried tobacco leaf would make the perfect surface for his work.
Sazonov was fortunate enough to have moved his store to a location in Williamsburg Brooklyn just weeks before 9/11. Many of his clients work on Wall Street, so he finds the New York City skyline to be a popular request. Available both as a print on canvas as well as on a cigar itself, this art will spark conversation whether it's in a frame or in a shadowbox. Clients can also purchase full box of cigars that you can either keep for yourself or hand out as gifts, although he recommends not smoking them as he does coat the cigars with Dammar varnish to preserve the artwork.
Canvas prints are sold unframed and single cigars are packaged in metal cigar tubes to ensure their safety. To order existing artwork or have new work created, visit paintingsoncigars.com.
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