Art Space Talk: Maia Simonia

I recently interviewed artist Maia Simonia. Maia reveals her subtle vision in each work of art she creates. Viewers have noted that her images have a 'Zen atmosphere' about them. In a sense, she adds serenity to her work with every stroke of paint.

One interesting aspect of Maia's art is the fact that she combines traditional and modern techniques with her paintings. You can observe the old and the new clashing together to form lively images when you view her work.

Q. When did you first discover that art would be an important part of your adult life?

A. "I was 8 or 9 years old, when I start painting. It all happened quite naturally."

Q. How has creating art shaped you professionally and personally?

A. "Art lives everywhere where practical or emotional necessity provokes the process of recreation of the inner or outer world. Creation is a living process, which certainly shapes anyone who’s fully dedicated to it. Any profession has the same principle.

Then, as an apple tree can bring nothing more than apple, as well all artists create according to only what they contain. Art for me is a mirror that portrays the true self of the author. Actually, all arts have began from the need in materialization of the reflections formed in mind, for making it visible, tangible and (at the later stage of evolution), discussable. By any means, man needs to see the reflection of his physical and non-physical self." ….

Thus, I can observe and discern myself through my art, which can help me in my further personal development. However, for personal development it is not the only the way and not so simple ether."

Q. How has society influenced your a intentions art? Are there any social implications in your art?

A. "There certainly are, though the influences are not recognizable in my works.

No matter how integrated we are or not, we still are a part of the society, which has its conditions and structure, meaning that we automatically are involved in it, thus influenced too. Is not it so, that the interaction is the basic low of nature? Everything influences everything…But of course degree of influence depends on the character and source of the influence itself and on the maturity, experience and the knowledge of the person who meets it.

One who is aware of basic principles of life is emotionally more resistive from rough influences. Although, very important to stay flexible and open and vigilant, otherwise there is a great danger of stagnation or delusion. I think even the hermits are not completely protected from the insidious influence of the society."

Q. What are your artistic influences? Has anyone inspired you?

A. "Yes, the beauty of the great mind, which contains many other noble qualities, is the most inspiring phenomenon for me. Beautiful mind can encounter you in any corner of life. Can be shaped in any forms, and has many languages. You could meet it equally as in a shoemaker, Plato, or Dante and Giotto, …………Tesla or the street beggar in your neighbourhood who might have rather wider thoughts and a dignified soul than we can ever imagine. Anyone can be an influence and anyone can inspire.

Recently my friend Luciano sent to me this beautiful metaphor:

"Do you know why the ocean is so large and limitless? Because Ocean is humble: by holding itself lower than all the rivers, it receives all their waters."

Q. Tell me a little about your background. Are your past experiences reflected in the work you do today? If so, how?

A. "I was brought up in the environment of mathematicians, physicists, and engineers from where I gained a great love for sciences and mostly for philosophy. I had a golden childhood. After, my independent life I went through heavy storms. Nevertheless, I am grateful to it because due to the practical experience my theoretical knowledge became vivid. I have partly fought with my "William Wilson".

In my works those experiences are not literally reflected, but they are."

Q. How long have you been a working artist?

A. "Long enough, though I had some gaps in between that were determined by uneasy circumstances."

Q. What is your artistic process?

A. "What to say? It is never the same."

Q. Do you have a degree or do you plan to attend school for art? If so, how has it helped your art career?

A. "I have degree from the Tbilisi (Georgia) State Academy of Fine Arts, and three years study experience at the Rietveld Academy of Modern Arts, in Amsterdam.

Study has helped me in acquiring of skills. But the question of career is purely my own task and it is a continues process of practice and perfection."

Q. What can you tell us about the art department that you attended?

A. "At the Fine art Academy in Georgia, we were taught in classical way. We had 5 hour painting and 2 hour drawing lessons every 6 day per week. In between, we had all kinds of theoretical lectures including the lesson in the defence, where we were studying the defensive methods for the possible military attack from USA.

At the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, I was willing to learn the much about modern art, which I did, although it was much to much to talk about. It was an extended process of real action in making art.

After all, I became more convinced that making good art is not up to where we get our education but up to the personal capability and profound dedication, good art doesn't need to disguise under the veil of the trends."

Q. Where can we see more of your art?

A. "At www.freewebs.com/art-maia/ the temporal site before I construct the new one."

Q. Are you represented by a gallery? Do you have any upcoming exhibits?

A. "No. Not at the moment."

Q. What trends do you see in the 'art world'?

A. "I follow the hot discussions between modern and classical or common art representatives and their curators. None of them could win the battle over what is true art. That often fail to understand that true art can be born from both sides.

It is obvious that there is the tendency of manipulation of the art market. This is a syndrome of the entire world and it pervaded in every single field. Seemingly, some influential figures conduce in determining the standards of art and even try to influence the direction of further development of art, but what is their premise? Benefit? Pride?

However, despite the tendencies of today, I do strongly believe that at the end nobody can control "art" as nobody can control any process of evolution in nature, simply because, that, "creation" is the initial and most powerful element of the universe.

The eternal rebirth of "logos" (idea) tends to gravitate only with the receptive soul and mind. That is the cradle of art. This alchemy cannot be ruled or intruded by profanes."

Q. Has your work ever been censored? If so, how did you deal with it?

A. "I was only censored when I was a student. I painted Apollo and 9 naked dancing muses. Officials dismissed me from the exhibition."

Q. What was the toughest point in your career as an artist? Have you ever hit rock-bottom?

A. "Tell me who hasn’t."

Q. Can we find your art on MYARTSPACE.COM?

A. "Yes. See Maia-art"

Q. What can you tell our readers about the art scene in your area?

A. "Due to modern technology the world has become tighter; the process of globalization and information exchange has reached everywhere. People are well informed and tend to follow recognized and established values. What happens in the Netherlands happens in the USA."

Q. Does religion, faith, or the lack of either play a part in your art?

A. "Something like that nature does play an indirect role in my art. Maybe it sounds too loud and silly but for me religion is a philosophy or an idea motivated by keen interest in finding the understanding of truth. Do we know what the truth is?"

Q. Does your cultural background play a part in your work?

A. "Certainly!"

Q. Is there anything else you would like to say about your art or the 'art world'?

A. "I wish persistence and good luck to every artist! In addition, at the end I want to bring my gratitude to you Brain, for your interest in my works!"

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Maia Simonia. Do a search for 'Maia' on the main site and you will find her work. http://myartspace.com/ . Feel free to critique or discuss her art.

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin