We were lucky to catch up with Maryam Faison recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maryam , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
You know that old saying “It’s the thought that counts?!” its the effort and time you put into that thought ,much like purpose it need substance to grow. It was hard finding my purpose at first because I was determined to be like everyone else, it did more harm than good. But as soon as it manifested itself I was overjoyed with inspiration and self discovery. I created a new world with this purpose. And it was well worth it. And I have god to thank for that, and of course my family, they’re the stitch to this beautiful comforter of love
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?
So my main focus in my Art is women of colour, mainly concentrating on black women, especially having a safe space in the art world, my art influences stem from my environment and the obstacles and challenges I’ve endured when creating my art, it’s a struggle sometimes creating art, especially when you envision something specific you’d like to create and it turns out to be not your best idea, I beat myself up and so harsh about my work sometimes, only to remember art isn’t perfect. I use to put my art on the back burner because I thought it wasn’t as great as the “real artist” I’d see creating mass pieces of work, now in the age of social media I’ve gotten discouraged and un inspired some days and created nothing and sometimes we need to just sit and do nothing. To reassure ourselves that all art and the journey to become great at what we do is a tough and beautiful process. Art is how I found my voice and individuality. . I also have an online shop featuring my work here’s where you can my earliest collage work https://tr.ee/sJCmKOlKoL
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Hmmm I’d say patience, courage and confidence, it’s really something to see your own growth, because you can’t compare it to anyone else’s, doing that will cause you to doubt your gift, and that’s what I faced plenty of times, I thought I had to be this well known artist and likable, well I was wrong, looking back Failure is my biggest setback, it could be something minor and I’ll dwell on it for days, not. realizing it led to something great. the confidence I endured over the years made my art journey even more powerful and impactful, I truly appreciate all who were apart of this ride with me. I just want to make a safe space for women of color specifically black women. my advice would be to enjoy every minute of whatever it is you are creating, it doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to be yours! thinking outside the box literally will take you on a beautiful journey of self discovery.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Again Failure is my biggest setback, I had to take a break for a whole year because my art wasn’t where I wanted it to be, the pandemic had its pros and cons and I endured both. But once I got my spark again I couldn’t be stopped. I desire for my work to make an impact on the world especially for young black girls, I believe my art reflects their beauty and beyond.. so I add flowers to my work to represent life and death and that you deserve your flowers now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/black_phoenix91?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Other: https://folio.procreate.com/mary_the_artist
