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

Alright, Tonya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am incredibly proud to identify as an artist and overall creative person. Since I was tiny, art was the only thing that could make everything else unimportant. When the time came to really dedicate myself to something professionally, art was already there. Some people will tell you that life as an artist is not an easy one. I was always encouraged to pursue academics and specifically Psychology. A few of my very best friends took that path, and seeing them graduate was definitely thought provoking. Some degrees can ensure better pay, and better pay almost ensures comfortable living. Art has always provided me personal freedom, which I value even more than total financial freedom. In a society that shockingly still discourages the pursuit of art professionally, I encourage taking the risk. Follow the passion and money will come.

Tonya, 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?

Art has been my favorite thing for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a Czech household, in the country. Being surrounded by nature, appreciation for art was innate. When I was little I painted on tin cans, blocks of wood, my own dolls, and anything else I could find. I even tried Crayons on the brick patio, before I learned about chalk. Art was about beautification only, until it became much deeper. As I got older and life got heavier, art became an escape. Paint brushes against canvas became a meditative practice. My earliest commissions focused on music and the emotion within it. I did many other commissions and even worked as a painting instructor before I stopped taking every order request. I felt that after I reached a certain point in skill level, I could finally make what I wanted. Each time we create I think we become a channel for something much greater than us. I want my art to give others access to that channel through the emotions I express. I want to take the viewer so far away from themselves, or bring them so extra close up to themselves, that they rediscover their real position. My art focuses on the mental, spiritual, symbolic, and metaphysical. I hope that it can awaken others in any way to their highest selves.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I highly recommend reading ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu. This book can genuinely be applied to every area of life. ‘The Art of War’ is written as poetry or prose, speaking on much more than military strategy. Sun Tsu teaches about honesty, leadership, earned respect, and wise decision making—just to name a few. This book gives advice related to managing relationships, setting boundaries, and knowing when to take risks.
For someone focusing on a creative path, I also recommend ‘Steal Like an Artist’ by Austin Kleon. Packed with useful insight, this book highlights the challenge of be totally original. Everyone is influenced by every single thing we take in. This read encourages artists to ease up on themselves, to appreciate and integrate all their influences.

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

The main thing I want to do is inspire others to create more. I truly believe that everybody is an artist and we can make the world more beautiful. Although we all have different forms of art, one can be used to inspire another. Creation is one of the most godly experiences we can have on this earth, the birthing of something new. Even if one piece of art can’t save the world, it could be there for someone when a person isn’t. Art can hold the emotions that are too heavy for us to carry alone. Art can be the presence of a past loved one. Art can be the conversation never spoken. Art can be our answer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mtcm.art
• Instagram: @mtcm.art
• Other: Depop: @tonyamerta

Image Credits

Emily, @gemini.daydreams on Instagram