Monika Paris was born and raised in Münster, Germany. She spent the first 24 years of her life in Münster and moved to Houston, Texas, in 1986, where she was awarded an academic scholarship to the University of Houston. A few short years later, in 1991, she graduated with a BS in Business Administration Magna Cum Laude.
After the successful completion of her studies in Houston, Monika moved to the Washington, DC, area in the early 1990s with her young family. She embarked on her artistic journey at the prestigious Corcoran School of Art (Washington DC) in the mid-1990s, where she immersed herself in various art forms and developed a strong affinity for abstraction—her time at the Corcoran School of Art played a pivotal role in shaping her unique artistic style and approach.
Monika continued her artistic pursuits and honed her craft at the Torpedo Factory and Glen Echo, two renowned art centers in the Washington, DC, area, providing her with valuable opportunities to explore her creativity further and refine her skills. During this time, she began to make her mark in the local art scene, participating in several art shows throughout the Washington, DC area: the Torpedo Factory, the Washington Design Center, and the Washington Project for the Arts.
By the early 2000s, Monika had established herself as a well-known, successful participant in the DC art scene. At the same time, her family had grown to include three children, and Monika pivoted her focus over the next few years to concentrate on raising her children and building her own business.
During this period, she sought inspiration and growth outside the confines of her studio, allowing life experiences and perspectives to enrich her creative spirit. She traveled the world, climbing some of the tallest mountains, extensively trekking through the Himalayan Mountains, and became an avid runner.
Monika's passion for abstract art was reignited recently, and she decided to jump-start her art career again. She returned to the art scene with newfound energy and enthusiasm, eager to share her artistic growth and evolution.
Monika’s artistic expression is deeply rooted in her love and admiration for nature. Inspired by the beauty and wonders of the natural world, she fearlessly incorporates bold colors into her artworks, creating visually striking and emotionally evocative pieces. Through her art, Monika invites viewers to immerse themselves in the splendor of nature, encouraging them to embrace the transformative power of art and find inspiration in the world around them.