An Artist’s Odyssey

Sarkis Antikajian, born in 1933 to Armenian parents in the Middle East, embarked on a transformative journey that led him to the United States in 1958. After a distinguished thirty-five-year career as a pharmacist, Sarkis realized his childhood dream of becoming an artist and transitioned into a nationally recognized and award-winning professional painter.With his Cheshire, Oregon, studio as a creative haven, Sarkis masterfully wields oils, watercolors, pastels, inks, and even clay, bringing to life a diverse array of subjects. His artistic repertoire spans figurative, landscape, still life, and abstract pieces, showcasing a depth of skill and versatility.Sarkis's captivating works graces galleries and private collections across the United States and overseas, reflecting his profound impact on the art world. For a closer look at his portfolio, visit sarkisantikajian.com, YouTube (@sarkisantikajian9834), or Instagram (@sarkisantikajian). Sarkis is also the author of a coffee table book of his art: Paintings, Drawings and Images in Words.

From award-winning, nationally acclaimed painter Sarkis Antikajian, an inspiring memoir about how our secret dreams shape us and the tenacity it takes to become who we were always meant to be.In the enchanting pages of An Artist's Odyssey, Sarkis Antikajian unveils a profoundly moving narrative that transcends time, weaving a tale of secret dreams, untamed yearning, and the unwavering courage to pursue one's true passion. From the sun-drenched streets of Amman, Jordan, to the quiet corners of Oregon, this memoir paints a portrait of Sarkis's journey-a journey shaped by familial expectations, the pursuit of a pharmacy degree in the United States, and the quiet desperation of a hidden artistic calling.From the moment Sarkis discovered a book on Impressionists at a local library during his boyhood, the dream of wielding a paintbrush became a beacon of hope. Faced with the responsibility of providing for his family, he concealed his artistic aspirations while navigating a career in pharmacy. However, the restless artist within him persisted, and as life unfolded-with degrees earned, emigration, marriage, and pharmacy jobs-Sarkis remained steadfast in his secret pursuit.The turning point came when he intentionally sought a community that cherished art and made Oregon his home. In the embrace of this supportive environment, Sarkis embarked on a slow but determined journey toward artistic proficiency and eventual mastery. Through setbacks, debts, and an array of imaginative business ventures, he tenaciously dedicated himself to transforming passion into paintings that now grace galleries and art collections worldwide.Humble and honest, Sarkis's evocative and compelling memoir reminds us that the pursuit of one's true calling is a timeless endeavor. An Artist's Odyssey is more than a memoir; it is a heartwarming masterpiece where every word is a brushstroke, every page a canvas-a cherished friend beckoning us to revisit, breathe life into our dreams, and celebrate the timeless truth that it's never too late to become who we were meant to be.