Meet Maria Paula Suarez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Paula Suarez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maria Paula, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

I think my self-discipline is deeply rooted in one of my core beliefs: discipline is the purest form of love, especially self-love. There’s this deep sense of respect for yourself when your actions speak louder than words.

I was lucky to grow up in a household where my parents were loving, permissive, and gave me a lot of freedom from an early age. I partied a lot and found joy in instant gratification. They guided me and gave me a solid foundation for structuring my life, but when I decided to pursue art, I was on my own. My parents supported me as much as they could, but they had no connections or knowledge of the art world—this path was completely new for all of us.

I was the first artist in my family, and I wanted it so badly. I was obsessed with making my art life work because I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. So I committed to small actions that eventually led to big changes. Seeing the results and accomplishments of what I’d cultivated through consistency and discipline only made those values grow stronger in me.

No one is coming to do the work for you. And I’m not just talking about the physical work. I mean setting goals, creating a schedule, aligning your thoughts and visions with your actions—that’s a path you have to walk alone. But if you connect with the right people along the way, it can be a beautiful journey.

I still have a long way to go, but I feel at peace, grateful, and happy. Discipline has given me that. So, rather than coming from an external source, I believe it comes from within. It’s something we all have. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be passion. My self-discipline comes from passion and the excitement of being privileged enough to build the life I want, the way I want.

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 am an artist! My preferred mediums are embroidery and colored pencil on paper. In April of last year, I opened my studio in Manhattan, and since then, I’ve been consistently working on several exciting projects. Having a dedicated space to create has been transformative—it gives my ideas room to breathe and provides me with the focus I need to bring them to life.

What I find most special about the path I’ve chosen is the consistent practice of introspection: exploring what’s within me to share with the world through images that foster connection. Nature plays a big role in my creative process. Whenever I immerse myself in it, I feel at home, surrounded by a sense of peace and clarity. Being confronted with the outdoors often stirs raw emotions, and capturing those feelings in my work becomes an exercise in documenting the intangible. Choosing to do this as my life’s work feels both exciting and deeply fulfilling, and I always make sure to highlight how grateful I am for it.

Alongside my studio practice, I work as a gallery director at Nohra Haime Gallery in New York City—a passion that beautifully complements my artistic journey. I have a profound admiration for the intersection of art and communication. I believe that when ideas are effectively conveyed, they can reach broader audiences and resonate more deeply. Supporting the art industry at this level has allowed me to cultivate that strength in a meaningful way.

I love the balance that comes from the dichotomies in my life. My work explores themes of love and psychology, and I am fortunate to have gallery representation in both Bogotá, Colombia, and the United States. This duality of perspectives keeps me grounded and inspired, allowing me to continue evolving in my practice.
Moreover, I kicked off 2025 with a great start! Opening in February 1st, 2025 Im presenting my first museum exhibition show at Big Arts Sanibel titled ‘Life is Alchemy’ where I am presenting three of my latest series. If you happen to be in Florida, swing by!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that hope, discipline, and gratitude were the three qualities that had the most significant impact on my journey.

My advice to those early in their own journey would be to stay resilient and not become too attached to any single idea. We are constantly evolving, and while it may feel safe to stick with what works, it’s important to allow room for growth and exploration. Embrace the discomfort of presenting new ideas or projects, even if your previous ones were well-received. The more you explore, the more likely you are to discover something that truly resonates—something that just clicks. Once that happens, the possibilities are endless, and the process of discovery will continue to unfold. Keep an open mind and stay curious—it’s the key to continual growth.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe the choice between focusing on our strengths or improving our weaknesses depends on our goals, but in my experience, working on areas where I’ve felt less confident has been transformative. It has taken me to places I never imagined and fostered significant personal growth.

Confronting our weaknesses can be challenging but profoundly rewarding. It’s an act of humility that fosters self-compassion—a crucial step toward viewing the world with empathy. When we cultivate this mindset within ourselves, it naturally extends outward, allowing us to connect with others in a more authentic and meaningful way.

As an artist, this question is deeply personal because my work is driven by a commitment to feel it all. I investigate emotions and behaviors, so inevitably, I face my fears, embrace vulnerability, and show up as my most authentic self. Surprisingly, for most people, that means working around areas of improvement. Through my art, I consistently confront both the rational and emotional sides of who I am. Every piece I create becomes a reflection of that inner exploration, helping me better understand myself.

I used to live in constant conflict, struggling to identify and process my feelings or uncover the deeper “why” behind them. Over time, I made it my life’s purpose to explore those questions through the lens of love and compassion. This practice has been incredibly rewarding, not because of external validation, but because of the relief and understanding it has brought me.

When we commit to improving ourselves—whether by addressing our weaknesses or deepening our strengths—we open the door to continual growth. Over time, the questions we ask ourselves grow deeper and more meaningful, leading us to even greater insights and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Juan David Sanchez

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