From Nature to Imagined Worlds: The Art of Maria Raskin
Interview with Maria Raskin
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
My journey in art has not been an easy one. I started painting after moving to the Mediterranean, inspired by the beautiful local landscapes. This began a long search for my own artistic style, which took around six years. Before becoming a full-time artist, I worked in fashion design, graphic design, book illustration, and icon painting.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist?
I think describing my typical work week would be more telling. Usually, I spend three to four days creating a new artwork. A couple of days are dedicated to taking photos and videos of the painting, editing the photos, and then sharing the work across all my social media platforms and online galleries. I usually use my day off to come up with new ideas and make sketches.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
This is probably the most interesting question. Inspiration is everywhere! I’m deeply inspired by nature, its processes, and the incredible diversity of organic forms. I also love reading interesting facts about space and the universe. All of this finds its way into my imaginative botanical paintings.
I don’t like to depict things realistically. I prefer to invent and interpret them in an abstract way. I often give myself interesting challenges: What kind of flowers could grow on Venus? What if I tried to create an entire painting using only shades of brown? What if I tried to harmonize colors that, at first glance, seem impossible to combine?
Besides botanical themes, I also explore the sea and the underwater world, including corals and marine life. Abstract portraits are also part of my practice. Whatever subject I explore, one thing always remains the same: my visual language. In my work, I use oil-marbled paper, collage, fabrics, and hand-crocheted cotton lace.
4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
Art helps me see the world from a different perspective and create my own worlds. And, most importantly, I’m never bored. I always have something exciting to work on. I also really enjoy looking at other artists’ work and noticing interesting details and ideas that inspire me.
5. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
Yes, of course! The biggest challenge for me was finding my own visual language. To do that, you need to know yourself well, understand your personality, and figure out what you do best.
After spending six years searching and creating several series of works in different techniques, I eventually returned to the ideas and techniques I had developed right after graduating from university. I simply strengthened and refined them. So, after going full circle, I found my way back to myself.
6. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
For me, the most significant experience so far was my solo exhibition at the Atatürk Culture and Congress Center Exhibition Hall in 2023, followed by having my paintings added to the permanent collection of the Cyprus Modern Art Museum.
7. Share your worst experience in the art world.
I don’t think I’ve had a truly «worst experience» in the art world yet. In any case, I believe our mistakes only make us stronger.
8. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
The best practical advice I can give is not to compare yourself to others. There will always be someone who is more talented, more experienced, or has greater opportunities. Compare yourself to who you were before, and celebrate even the smallest achievements. All these little steps bring us closer to our bigger goals.
9. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
I would describe the life of an artist as «solitude with joy». Or perhaps not solitude at all, but a kind of retreat, when time seems to stand still.
So no, I don’t think an artist is lonely. An artist’s life consists of an introverted cycle, creating art, and an extroverted cycle, connecting with the art community. Both cycles are important and necessary.
10. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
At the moment, I’m working on my «Underwater Castles» series, which explores the diversity of underwater landscapes. I’m studying the structures of corals and seashells and imagining underwater worlds filled with grottoes, caves, and sunken ships.
Website: https://www.mariaraskin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raskinart/
