Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria-Emilia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maria-Emilia, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful murals I have participated in recently has been the M²: Math X Mural research project that seeks to learn how to teach mathematical concepts in ways that are creative, dynamic, and highly imaginative. With Professor Gladys Krause from William and Mary and ESL educator Caroline Finchum, and a generous grant from the National Science Foundation, we created a program that culminates with a summer camp where 13 ESL students have come together to paint a math mural using mathematical concepts and multi lingual learning lessons, all the while learning about color theory and art. This research project has allowed us to paint two murals so far (’22, ’23), and we are planning for the third installation come summer 2024 at the School of Education at William and Mary.

This project seems to connect so many of my values into one: beautification of our spaces, working with youth in immigrant communities, and a thread that pulls Science and Art together. Over the last several years, I have found a fascination with physics, space and astronomy that I hope I get to explore and weave more and more into my artwork.

Collaborative Research: Developing Teacher Learning Theory with Teachers and Students Animating Mathematical Concepts supported by NSF research grant (DRL # 2055419).

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been a working artist for the last decade of my life. I began my first decade as a fiber artist without rigorous formal training, as I did not have art school to rely on when I decided that I wanted to become a creator. I have been taught by experience, and I am proud to say I have developed both the skill and work ethic to feed myself with the same hand that brings beauty into the world. Learning to believe in, and have respect for, myself as a creator has been the single most significant accomplishment of my young adult life. Yet this is a daily practice, and it requires vision to continue to live this lifestyle.

Despite this daily challenge to remain current with what my purpose is, public art remains at the forefront of my vision. I see too many blank walls, too many gray buildings, and these blank canvases fill my imagination with the possibilities that could arise from splashing a little paint on the side of a building’s wall. I can bring a little life into people’s spaces, and I hope more than anything to share with others, what brings me so much joy.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

However you can, whenever you can, invest in artists. Period. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The fact that sometimes, things come out of me that I didn’t realize I had the ability to do. The more I practice art, the more that I surprise myself with this journey. When other artist tell you to practice, and practice makes better, it really is the best advice. Talent is created through a sustained practice, and this is something that I find to be true in my life. Seeing improvement through practice, like seeing your hand become more steady as you paint a straight line, can be so rewarding to see.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maria-emilia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmmariaemmmilia/
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