We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maura Trice. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maura below.

Maura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is More Than a Body. This photography exhibit wasn’t just about creating striking portraits—it was about giving women a space to tell their own stories.

The idea came from my realization that women are often reduced to just their appearance in art and media. I wanted to challenge that by shifting the focus beyond the image itself to the person behind it. I photographed ten women, each with their own experiences, struggles, and triumphs, and incorporated symbolic elements into their portraits to represent their individual stories. But I didn’t stop there—I included their own words alongside their images so viewers could see them as whole individuals, not just as subjects of a photograph.

What made this project so powerful to me was witnessing how these women saw themselves versus how the world often saw them. Some of them had never been in front of a camera in a way that allowed them to control their own narrative. Seeing their reactions when they saw their portraits—really seeing themselves, feeling represented, feeling heard—was incredibly moving.

This project reinforced what I believe about art: that it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about storytelling, identity, and connection. And sometimes, it’s about giving people a platform to reclaim their own stories.

Maura, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an artist, photographer, and storyteller, and my work is rooted in the belief that art is a powerful way to connect, challenge, and inspire. My journey into the arts began early—growing up in Italy, I was surrounded by creativity, from the classical masterpieces in museums to the artists in my own family. My mother drew with me, and my father was an incredible hobbyist photographer who, let’s just say, made sure I was never short on childhood photos! This early exposure made art second nature to me, and over time, my love for it evolved into something deeper: a tool for storytelling.

My work spans multiple disciplines, from large-scale murals to conceptual photography. What ties it all together is my focus on storytelling and symbolism. I create murals that not only beautify spaces but also engage communities, like Two Tales of One City and 50 Years of Color, which celebrated art history and its impact. I use photography to capture more than just an image—I aim to reveal the person behind the image, as seen in More Than a Body, where I photographed women and paired their portraits with their personal narratives.

What sets my work apart is my deep commitment to making art accessible and meaningful. Whether it’s through public art, photography, or even interactive elements like QR codes in murals, I want viewers to feel part of the experience. Art should be a conversation, not just something to observe.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My creative journey is driven by a deep desire to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard. Whether through murals, photography, or mixed media, my goal is to create art that connects with people on an emotional level.

One of my biggest missions is to challenge how we see and understand identity—especially in projects like More Than a Body, where I worked to show the depth of the women behind the images. I want my work to go beyond aesthetics and serve as a bridge between personal experiences and collective understanding.

I also believe in making art accessible. Public murals, interactive elements like QR codes, and storytelling-driven photography allow people to engage with art in ways that feel personal and meaningful. My mission is to create work that doesn’t just sit on a wall or a gallery floor but invites people into a conversation—one that challenges, inspires, and stays with them long after they’ve seen it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is that art isn’t just about talent or inspiration—it’s about persistence, problem-solving, and constantly pushing past self-doubt. There’s this romanticized idea that artists just wait for a moment of inspiration and effortlessly create something beautiful. But in reality, creativity is work.

For example, with More Than a Body, I wasn’t just taking portraits. I was listening to deeply personal stories, figuring out how to translate them visually, and ensuring the final images honored the women’s experiences. It wasn’t just about making something “pretty”—it was about making something true.

Another thing people don’t always see is how much time and effort go into learning new skills. When I decided to sew my own costumes for my next photography series, I quickly realized that designing, constructing, and troubleshooting fabric is an entirely different discipline. But that’s part of the creative journey—embracing discomfort, learning through mistakes, and pushing yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of.

This is especially true for my upcoming project, which will debut at the end of the year. I’m pushing myself further into symbolic storytelling, exploring themes like rebellion, fragility, and resilience. Every detail, from the lighting to the handmade costumes, is intentional. The goal isn’t just to create visually striking portraits, but to make images that feel alive—where every element contributes to a deeper narrative.

Creativity isn’t just about making art. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to step into the unknown over and over again. And with each project, I want to challenge both myself and the viewer—to create work that lingers, asks questions, and keeps revealing new meanings long after the first glance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mauraartphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maura_trice_art
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mauraart

Image Credits

Maura Art