We were lucky to catch up with María Sardi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, María thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In September 2024, I was invited By TLG Gallery in NYC to create a piece for a themed show honoring Spike Lee’s love for the New York Knicks. I’d never done a sports painting before, so I went into it cautiously. Throughout the piece’s creation, I was constantly reminded of my beautiful friend Dmitri who passed away May 12, 2024. Dmitri dedicated his ENTIRE life to basketball and helping the youth excel through sports, coaching, and just being there for them and everyone in his circle. He was a leader, a counselor, a teammate, a supporter, and most importantly a friend. He had a knack for discovering people’s hidden talents and finding a way to get them out of their comfort zone. He led with his heart and soul. He was the first one to appreciate and support me on my artistic journey fully, he even took some shots of me painting because he knew I was just starting and needed some exposure. Making this painting was at times challenging, but I like to believe that he helped guide me along the way. The show was a success, I met so many people and talented artists who shared a love for basketball and Spike’s movies. Right after the show ended, I was told that Spike Lee purchased my painting and all I could think about was my friend Dmitri. He was right beside me till the end along with a grand finale! It was all for you, Meech!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a mixed-media artist who is inspired by vintage magazines, photographs, and comics. Through my eclectic style, I create detailed pieces with bold colors and eye-catching designs that highlight my passion for complexity. I stray away from simplicity because I am not a simple person. I acknowledge that art is subjective and not everyone will agree with its intricacies. With that in mind, I took an interest in mixed-media/pop-art styles because they are chaotic and can guarantee a head tilt. My love for art sparked in my childhood through my mom! She was always the one who let me run wild with the crayolas and magazines. She would buy patterned stock paper from Walmart along with googly eyes, glue, and yarn to keep me busy while she worked. I then did what any 6-year-old would do and stuck everything to the walls and made sure to sign with my name. I still do all that, just in a more controlled way. I’m proud I never let that child-like freedom go.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Living in this tech/social media world, it’s hard to stand out because we’re met with so many eyes and opinions. People are quick to judge. Most don’t understand the passion and dedication it takes to “complete” a painting (is art ever really finished?) I think the best way we can all look past these obstacles is to create spaces where we know we’re appreciated. Whether that be through other creatives, friends, family, or strangers, it doesn’t matter! Find a place/outlet/community/support group that will lift you rather than compare you or drag you down.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting to see people walk over to your painting because they’re so drawn to it that it makes their heads tilt.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.foxypainter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxypainter/

Image Credits

Dmitri Thompson
Sofia Sardi