CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
MM: I think I identify my personal style as minimalist. I use my art to process emotions and experiences, engaging simple shapes and color to translate my everyday experience. I like the idea that recalling an experience or memory is abstract and fragmented, that what you remember is a distilled version of the actual moment. I try to reflect this idea through my artwork, stripping down elements to their simplest, purest form.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
MM: My inspiration comes from all around me, nature, art, personal experiences, etc. I try to look at things from the perspective of a feeling or an emotion. For example, how the light hitting an object makes me feel, then articulating that feeling visually.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
MM: Never underestimate the value of the concept development phase, make sure you fully uncover and understand the clients’ problems and the projects’ objectives before you jump into the visual language of the design. You can do this by using different idea generation techniques (word association, mind mapping, brainstorming etc). I also think getting external opinions is essential to the creative process – “don’t seek praise, seek criticism”. When it comes to my personal artwork, my style and experience is what makes my art unique.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
MM: I think, not being totally confident and secure in what you do. There is always vulnerability and doubt because of the subjectivity of creativity. “Do it because you’re scared, you may feel weak in the moment but you will know your strength in the end” – Isabel Marcelo
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
MM: Articulating things verbally has never felt very natural to me, especially growing up. I always felt I could communicate more and with greater depth through my art. Art enabled me to engage with emotions that I didn’t know how to process and I think that’s why i connected with design so much. “Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style” – Massimo Vignelli
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
MM: I don’t believe I could specify just a few names, with internet inspiration coming at us constantly. I draw inspiration from emerging artists and the greats.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
MM: The adobe suit is essential to my design work, but I think it is really important to problem solve and develop your concept on paper. Don’t undermine the importance of concept development, the computer should only be a tool to execute your ideas.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
MM: I guess I just try and be as authentic as I can with my art – sharing my experiences authentically and having people connect with that.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
MM: I am a freelance graphic designer, so my days never look the same. I’ve found that it is really easy to get caught up with it all and end up working most days of the week, so having strict and reasonable boundaries is a big thing for me. It’s also so easy when you’re always creating for other people to burn out creatively, I try and set aside some time each week to learn something new, create for myself or go somewhere new to refresh myself creatively.
CH:89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/ set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
MM: My answer is different depending what I am working on.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
MM: “An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail” – Edwin Land
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
MM: When it comes to my graphic design I try to focus on what style would best communicate the brands’ values and not my own.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
MM: Yes definitely, I think in a world where we are saturated with information people can miss so much and forget to stop and actually look deeper into something. I think being an artists brings a curiosity to look at something on a deeper level and appreciate the finer details and intricacies.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
MM: Yes! I find travel so inspiring and enriching. I just got back from a trip to Israel which is now up there as one of my favorite places.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
MM: I don’t think I could name a favorite honestly!
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
MM: I think a big goal for the future is to open my own studio/collaborative space.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
MM: Being able to express and communicate intangible experiences visually.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
MM: Currently listening to Miles Davis on vinyl
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
MM: Mundane
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