We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Stanford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.
Maria, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Taking it one day at a time and step by step! Everyday is not the same. Some days creativity and ideas flow, other days not so much. However everyday I get up and turn up even if I don’t have the inclination nor the courage to face the day. Motivation comes from being a single mom.
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?
Essentially I see myself as an aspiring artist! It’s a passion and love that took hold in 2015. By investing the time, I will improve and enhance my unique artistic expression. My goal is to enrich my artwork by constantly being involved in the creative process: by researching, practicing, observing, repeating, I am developing skills everyday and growing over time; all the while articulating my inner voice! Sometimes we look at others and compare ourselves to them, saying ‘this artist/person is better than me or more talented…or taller or thinner’ or whatever! This can be to our own detriment. I think instead we should enjoy the journey where we are! Believe or not the person we’re comparing ourselves to doesn’t have it all together either! Art has given me a freedom and helped me find my voice! My children have helped me realize that I am more than I thought.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Firstly, there was a silent determination to have something that was mine, I needed an outlet to find an even keel and painting was that outlet.
2, finding like minded people who embraced the same passion for the arts. Accepting that square pegs don’t fit round holes. In being around other creatives, life started to make sense and
3, be willing to let go of what I can’t control and let God show me a better way …. not the easy way but the right way.
I too am early in my journey, but I’d say what has been a help and a saving grace is to have a support system of people who will encourage you and cheer you on. We all need support
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Relishing in a new found freedom and then unexpectedly being let go from a job in the last year, I know I have grown in leaps and bounds (under those circumstances) by developing abilities and strengths I didn’t know I had. Becoming more independent and patient with myself, recognizing that I’m not and don’t have to be Superwoman. Having empathy for others and caring for others rather than dwelling on the negative. Everyday is not the same, being a full time artist certainly has its challenges, but overall, learning to be thankful goes a long way towards growth
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artistsstudiotoursbarbados.com
- Instagram: mariastanfordartist
Image Credits
The photo is a selfie
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
