We recently connected with Max Avila and have shared our conversation below.

Max, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m very happy as an artist! I’ve been a musician (drummer) for many years, since 1987, and a DJ for 15 years, but it wasn’t until rediscovering my love for lapidary in 2020 that I started being able to make a living off my art. I do still run a part time cleaning business which in itself is a positive thing that allows me to step away from lapidary or drumming with a different perspective to not be in the forefront.

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?

At a very young age I was always obsessed with nature created objects- rocks, seashells, and plants. I luckily have an amazing mother that also loves these things and does silversmithing, lapidary, painting, flower arrangements, gardening and a lot more. She used to take me to rock shops and jewelry supply stores and I was instantly hooked.

Fast forward to 2020 when covid hit and I had lots of time on my hands, my wonderful full time silversmith partner Melina suggested I look into lapidary. We bought a cab machine and I obsessed over learning everything about lapidary and making cabochons and thus Maxi Cabs was born.

My love of natural objects, meticulous nature, and respect for mother earth are some of what I pour into Maxi Cabs. I try to be as eco-friendly in my practices as possible. From collecting rainwater for cutting cabs, using ethically sourced rocks, to using compostable mailers, I strive to tread lightly on this planet while providing beautiful cabochons for other artists to use in their work.

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

I strive to present inspiration to other artists in the form of a beautiful or interesting cabochon. I’m constantly searching for something new- I don’t like to limit myself to any particular type of stone, shape, size, or price. I want to have something for everyone.

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

I love it when someone incorporates my work into their art and shares the end result. When one of my cabochons is used to complete somebody else’s art, then it really is the most fulfilling part of the process because we all are truly existing in a symbiotic relationship on this planet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaxiCabs
• Instagram: Instagram.com/maxi.cabs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxamillion.avila
• Other: https://www.discogs.com/artist/4375169-Maxamillion-Avila