THE IMPROPER BOSTONIAN MAGAZINE

WHY BOSTON?

By Daniel Varoujan Hejinian

I came to Boston twenty years ago. Having been censored as an artist in the Soviet Union, I found my artistic freedom here in Boston the freedom of expression, the most important factor in developing one's own signature in art. I left Soviet Armenia and joined my sister here in the Boston area.

Here, I felt a youthful energy that radiates through the city, the buildings, through the sails on the Charles River, the green spaces and marketplaces. It's in the sidewalk cafes and cobblestone streets manifesting itself like a romantic European place. The combination of old stone churches beside new buildings whose glass walls reflect the city orchestrates a magical harmony. I love the panoramic view along the Charles and the beautiful skyline.

I really enjoy having four New England seasons. It's harder to decide which is more lovely: magnolia blossoms on Marlborough Street or the Common in a blanket of snow. And if a weather pattern isn't my favorite, I know it will change probably over night!

Culturally, Boston is a cosmopolitan city of the highest level. Along with a famous symphony orchestra, we have some of the best jazz outside of New Orleans. My family and I often visit the museums, dine on fresh seafood, and watch great sporting events like the Boston Marathon, the Head of the Charles Regatta and, of course, the legendary Celtics and Red Sox.

This is a cultural city and for me to be part of the Boston community, either by contributing to charitable events or adding artwork to its charm and beauty, is a great pleasure. I'm proud to see my indoor murals in Boston's theater district, my religious paintings in Belmont's Holy Cross Church, and my outdoor murals on the Causeway Street into Boston's North End and along Newbury Street or in the Dyanson Gallery window.

I feel home away from home, my heart and my art are in the right place in Boston!