Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Mae | Atelier . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Maria Mae | Atelier thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Short answer, YES!
I think this will be my one largest regret in life. Not initially listening to my calling and intuition leading me down this path. I listened to the naysayers early on in life and didn’t even contemplate that art could be pursued as a creative career. It is, it can be, and should be seen as such.
If you feel called to pursue your passions and creative callings, don’t ignore that whisper in your ear.
Maria Mae | Atelier , 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?
Hello! I’m Maria, a multi-disciplinary, passionate and professional full-time fine artist and creative company owner with an interior / architectural design and business management background. This June I’ll be celebrating 17 years since my first group art exhibit!
My creative work is deeply inspired by the mysteries, depth, and secrets of the sea with its stormy and serene skies and calming coastlines. A common motif found within my abstract expressionist paintings is this profound wonderment with water and the essence of nature.
As a Minnesota native for much of my life; there was no shortage of lakes, streams, and rivers to guide my work, but there was an innate and constant desire to live, breathe, and be near the ocean. I recently took a life changing leap of faith leaving all that I knew to begin my next creative chapter on the Southwest Gulf of Florida.
This has been a transcendent and pivotal point in my journey as both human and artist. I found a sense of peace and fathomless freedom that I didn’t even know existed.
Creating has for many years quieted the storm of my own existence. It silences what tries to diminish, demean, and keep me in its cage. It is my highest expression of freedom and authentic self.
Painting provides an escape where I’ve found my own personal quiet beneath the chaos. A haven where my soul speaks freely all of its most meaningful secrets.
My work is best described as thoughtful surreal extractions; drawing out the natural elements that both soothe and awaken us. Strengthening the bond and connection of the viewer to the natural world and the beauty unfolding beyond what they can naturally see.
My work aims to provide an escape for the viewer to be free from all that is chaotic in their own personal world. An imaginative and whimsical space between a dream and reality.
It is my highest artwork and archival abstract prints inspire the viewer to let their soul speak its story, to approach life with connected curiosity and to discover their own fathomless freedom.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
When I first started my initial journey as an artist it was all about intuitive play and self expression. It had never occurred to me that my work would touch the lives of others in such meaningful and memorable ways.
Before I became an artist my passion was in creative writing and poetry. I’d often sit in silence writing down many meanderings and thoughts that seemed to flow from within my soul. Painting became a conduit to let the emotions, feelings, trauma, hurt, addictions, and abuse be spoken in a new way. It provided a safe space for me to speak so much of what had been suppressed in dark places for far too long without needing to write a single word.
Now my mission is to create works of art that tell a poetic story on their own while including uplifting, encouraging, healing, and thought provoking written poetry.
I create refined art and designs to soothe the soul and free the mind. To give the viewer, if only for a moment a sense of calm, peace and tranquility. Uplifting and thought provoking paintings that spark conversation and evoke an overall sense of wonder and whimsy.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Short answer, my forever dying wish is for people to stop asking artists what they really do, or how they earn a living besides their art. I hope to one day live in a society that not only accepts art as a career, but celebrates it as well.
A question I often receive when asked what I do for a living is “Oh, that’s cool. So what do you do for work?” Or, “When are going to get a real job?” These kinds of questions and comments reiterate the general lack of understanding that creatives are also hard working, determined, and successful business owners.
A major hurdle for many creative business owners is a lack of funding to pursue their passions. Many do work other jobs making it difficult to have the energy or desire to create outside of their daily routines. If there were more opportunities for business loans, grants, and funding for artists wanting to turn their passion into profit you’d see much more light, healing, and hope in society as well, which the world could really use so much more of right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: Maria Mae Atelier
- Instagram: mariamae_atelier
- Facebook: Maria Mae Atelier