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

Maya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I wanted to get serious as an artist in 2021 after I took a trip up to Alaska to spend time with family and friends. At that point I hadn’t ever thought that I could be a professional artist. I loved to create things, all sorts of funky things, but I didn’t think that I was skilled enough to ever make any of it into a profession. I had started making greeting cards and other pieces for people in my life before I went on that unforgettable vacation, and by the time we got on the plane to go back to Colorado, I was ready to commit to practicing and exploring my art in a much bigger way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! My name is Maya! I’m a girl who has a desire to create art and am extremely inspired by it. It’s so important for everyone to realize that they have something unique to offer the world. Whether it be through visual arts, poetry, or skills in another trade, we all have our special song to sing, and even the smallest seed of natural talent can be nurtured into a masterful skill that can bring inspiration to others. I am a watercolor and ink artist, and I broke into the world of professional artistry through making handmade greeting cards. I used to hand draw/paint each individual card, and I sold and sent lots of cards throughout the Covid craziness. People were missing their family and friends terribly, and the greeting card made a huge comeback to help people stay connected! I made prints of my cards as business went along, then I started making more fine art pieces that I now sell as originals and prints! It takes a lot of tenacity on one’s own part to start a business, but the support of my own community has been incredibly monumental and critical in encouraging me to want to and be able to continue sharing my art.
It’s a balancing act juggling exploration in art and business, but man it’s been a fun ride!
I think the best part about this whole experience for me is learning how free I can be in my life as I am in my art. I am free to create whatever I put the effort into; there are no boxes, no limits.
The lack of inhibition I’m discovering in the artist’s realm is weaving into my outlook on life itself, and I’m so grateful and excited to see what’s on the horizon!
What sets me apart in this industry, just like what sets each of you apart in yours, is my unique personal perspective in how I see the world. I see people in relation to the earth through my mind’s eye, and the way those ideas meet the paper, then the end of a piece (if it ever ends), are special because they are mine! Just like every piece made with your hands and brain is unique because no one else can do it like you can.

I want people to know that they can do a lot more than they realize. A little discipline to learn a new skill goes a long way, and if any individual wants to pursue a new craft, they can do it with enough determination.
Painting with watercolor has been illuminating, and I still feel that I’m a novice considering how much there is to learn in that medium alone. In the future I want to explore pastels, printmaking, and other visual arts, but no matter where or how you may see my artwork I hope it stands as an encouragement for you to play and explore. You’re resilient and meant to make beautiful things!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The big goal for me is to be able to better express myself through art. That means taking the time to develop the skills needed to convey what’s in my head and learning from the artists before me how many different ways ideas can be shared.
And my ability to express what I am thinking and feeling will hopefully lead to a connection between myself and others as a whole.
We all share so many thoughts and feelings, and allowing ourselves to operate in honesty where others can see gives them permission to operate honestly and freely as well.

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

I think people should pay attention to their local artists. I can guarantee you there’s an artist community in your city or town, and I’d bet it’d surprise you what they can bring to the table! Go to their markets, go shop at the local boutiques and artisan shops, and support those who become your favorites! Finding artists that you love around the world is great too, and you absolutely should seek them out. However, if everyone gave encouragement to their neighbor in his or her creative pursuits, then so many local artists could continue to grow and, in turn, give back the goodness to their community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.squawk-studios.com
• Instagram: @squawkstudios

Image Credits
@angiewilderphoto : first two pictures