In the Studio with Maryland Artist Maiya M. Lonesome

Today, we’re going In the Studio with Maryland artist Maiya M. Lonesome. Maiya’s artwork was recently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Our Maryland Gallery exhibit.

Maryland Artist Maiya Lonesome, creates works of art that are raw expressions of emotion and feeling. "When I lost my voice, I taught my hands to speak for my soul". She has always been artistic and found comfort in the world that she gets lost in when she creates. Much of her early work was black & white, charcoal and graphite, but a few years ago she realized that she could express herself in color and in paint as well. Maiya’s has a broad range of work, some that are very realistic and some that are completely abstract, filled with vibrant colors. Her original artworks can be purchased as well as prints and other products with her work on them. 

Here’s Maiya talking about her art, process and experience...

What art do you most identify with?

I identify the most with art that reminds me of the strength and beauty of all women.  

When did you realize you were an artist?

I realized at a young age that I was an artist but it took me years to trust in myself enough to want to pursue this beyond just random doodles here and there.

How did you get into your art/side-gig?

I posted a picture on social of 1 of my early pieces and a friend asked if they could purchase it and then another person asked for a different piece and on and on. Prior to that I never looked at my artwork as potential for a side gig. My friends and family are truly what gave me the motivation to turn this into a side hustle.

What are you currently working on?

Currently working on some new portraits and abstract combinations.

What's your favorite piece of artwork that you have created and why?

It is an equal tie between one of my abstracts that I entitled, “The Soot of My Soul” it’s made with pieces of cloth, gesso and acrylic paint. This piece resonates so deeply with me because I created it at a time when I was going through some deep personal struggles. The contrast between the black “burnt” and white “pure and renewed” along with the intricate details from the cloth and the gesso creates intricate details that are like looking at a different piece every time you encounter it. 

The other piece is a small sketch that I did of a black girl with a really big afro entitled, “Let Her Be Her”. This piece has been transformed into a digital metal print that to date is 1 of my top sellers. It was inspired by my free spirited niece Iyanna who has the fluffiest hair that she likes to wear out and not in braids because she loves that it looks like her mommy’s hair.

What food, drink, song inspires you?

Hmmm that’s a difficult one for me to answer I find a lot of inspiration in music. I’d have to say it more or less depends on my mood. Lately I’ve had the artist Russ on repeat in my car but my musical inspiration spans broadly from Mary J Blige to Ed Sheeran to Collie Buddz to Sia.  

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

Every bit of feedback that I get about my work is memorable especially since becoming an artist was never in my life plans. I appreciate all of the positive and negative comments that get thrown at me. Both are equal fuel for me.

What work do you most enjoy creating?

The portraits are probably the work I enjoy the most. I always find it intriguing when I begin a piece and in my mind’s eye am envisioning a woman only to continue to work on it and realize that the piece is becoming a man. I used to fight against that “misstep” but I’ve learned now to embrace it. I guess in many ways I find that when I let the art do what it is going to that’s when the most magic happens.

What’s your favorite quote?

“An artist feels vulnerable to begin with and yet the only answer is to recklessly discard more armor.”

What role does the artist have in society?

Artist bridge the gaps in society. Two people of varying backgrounds, beliefs, culture, religion can be standing in the same spot looking at the same piece of artwork and find that through that art they can find commonality. 

What’s your dream job?

The goal is to someday own my own gallery. I’m still working out how that will look whether it is a café/art gallery or gallery/community space for kids. Stay tuned!

Is there any local artist that Inspires you? If so, who and why?

The 1 local artist who inspires me the most is Christina Helferich-Polosky. She is an artist based out of Pennsylvania. Much of her art centers around women veterans and the strength that it takes to not only be a woman in a male dominated society but also the strength, conviction and courage it takes to be a woman who has served this country. The voice that she expresses through her artwork speaks volumes. 

Why art?

Why not art?! Art removes all the boundaries that tells women of color especially, “You need to think this. You need to do that. You need to be this way. You need to express yourself like this….and on and on”. Art says, “there are no rules, guidelines, boxes you need to fit in. Do what you feel and to hell with the everything else. You have a voice to put out into the world and through art you can share it unabashedly and exposed without apology.” 

For more information on Maiya and her artwork, check out her website at https://www.mellingtonart.com/.