We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Stern a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maria, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose was like stepping out of a black-and-white photograph into a burst of color. Once entrenched in the world of Big4, where my life was a cycle of deadlines and corporate battles, I found myself yearning for more. This yearning led me to an Indian ashram, a place as far from office lights as one could imagine. It was there, amid deep meditation and the genuine human connections, that clarity washed over me like the first light of dawn.
In a moment that felt like the universe conspiring in my favor, I realized my calling wasn’t within the confines of spreadsheets but in the boundless realms of paint and canvas. My spiritual guide’s knowing smile confirmed my discovery, reminding me that every revelation is a stepping stone to greater depths.
Through painting and meditation, I’ve navigated life’s tempests, learning that true purpose is an inexhaustible source of energy, guiding us to live fully and deeply. For those just beginning their journey, remember: the universe is always speaking to us, in whispers and in storms. It’s up to us to listen and embrace the adventure.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a wanderer at heart, having left footprints in the sands of India, wandered through Italy’s cobblestone alleys, breathed in the futuristic air of Singapore, and soaked up the timeless art of France. Each of these places, with their unique heartbeat and stories, has woven its essence into the fabric of who I am today. They’ve taught me that emotions are a universal language, transcending borders and connecting us in profound ways.
In my world, a canvas is more than a piece of fabric; it’s a portal to the soul. I don’t just capture scenes; I dive deep into the ocean of human emotions, aiming to bring to surface those hidden treasures that connect us all. My art is my voice, a gentle but powerful call to pause, reflect, and feel deeply. It’s a dialogue, not just between me and the viewer, but among all who find a piece of themselves in the strokes and colors.
Driven by a passion to reveal the unseen beauty around us, my mission is to make each observer not just see but feel, transforming everyday moments into a cause for introspection and wonder. With each piece I create, I invite you on a journey—not to simply look, but to discover, to explore the depths of your own emotions, and perhaps, to see the world and yourself in a new light.
This is me, a storyteller whose tales are painted, inviting you to find your story within mine, and reminding us that life, in all its complexity, is a beautiful canvas awaiting our unique strokes.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on the rollercoaster ride of my artistic journey, three steadfast companions have been by my side: resilience, insatiable curiosity, and a deep well of emotional intelligence.
Mark Twain once quipped, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” But let me add, the secret of staying ahead? Resilience. It’s the art of bouncing back from rejection like a cat landing on its feet—every single time. Each ‘no’ I encountered was not a door slamming but rather a redirection to a window, often with a better view. To those starting out, consider resilience as your best friend; it’s the one who nudges you forward when the path seems daunting and celebrates with you when the vistas of success unfold.
Albert Einstein said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” If curiosity was good enough for Einstein, it’s a golden ticket for us artists. It’s what drives us to ask, “What if?” and to paint the answer. Curiosity has led me down rabbit holes that turned into galleries and conversations that became masterpieces. My fellow journeyers, keep your curiosity well-fed and let it lead you to places you’ve never dared to dream. Remember, a curious artist never runs out of inspiration.
Oscar Wilde once stated, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” This rings true in art as much as in life. Digging deep into my emotional reservoir has allowed my art to resonate on a universal frequency. It’s about painting from the soul, not just the surface. To those honing their craft, don’t shy away from exploring the vast landscapes of your emotions. Your unique perspective is your signature—an autograph on the universe.
In sum, wield resilience like a shield, curiosity as your compass, and emotional depth as your wellspring. Laugh in the face of rejection, marvel at the world with wide-eyed wonder, and never forget to dive deep within yourself—that’s where the real treasures lie.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Ah, the main challenge I’m currently tangoing with? It’s none other than harnessing the spectrum of emotions. Imagine trying to catch sunlight in your hands or the wind in a net—that’s what it feels like trying to paint emotions. Words often fall short when it comes to the vastness and complexity of what we feel. My canvas is my arena, where I strive to encapsulate those whispers of the heart that language can’t quite grasp.
It’s an exhilarating challenge, akin to decoding the unspoken poetry of our inner worlds. Every hue, every stroke is an attempt to translate the language of the soul into something visible, tangible. “Art speaks where words are unable to explain,” as the saying goes, and it’s this translation from feeling to form that’s both my quest and my quandary.
In facing this, I’ve realized that vulnerability is my strength. By daring to explore my own depths, to feel deeply and without reservation, I invite others to do the same. It’s a journey of mutual discovery, a shared dive into the ocean of human emotion, where each artwork becomes a lighthouse, guiding us through the beautiful, tumultuous seas of the human experience.
So, to anyone grappling with their own challenges, remember: the beauty of our struggles lies in the growth they foster and the depths they reveal. Embrace your battles, for they are but the brushstrokes of your masterpiece.
Contact Info:
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