We recently connected with Maverick Pascal and have shared our conversation below.
Maverick, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I saw something somewhere that said that we are all technically imposters. As a black neurodivergent I feel that all the time. But I think of other people who might feel the same way, that is what usually drives me to put in my best effort. I also saw an article from Forbes that said “Confidence is not a fixed attribute; it’s the outcome of the thoughts we think and the actions we take. No more; no less.” I think imposter syndrome is becoming more and more of a popularized term, So I def need to do some more research on it. I do my best to remember to at least show up to the challenge. Sounds hella cliche but I always regret not trying something out of fear.
You know who probably didnt have Imposter syndrome; Sun-Ra. You gotta look him up. Phenomenal artist. Broke alot of rules and his sound was like no other. Literally. “Space is the place”
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 feel like im still on a journey of discovery, exploration and sharing experiences and art with others. After a 13-year hiatus from creating art, I made a pledge to myself to sketch something every single day for a whole year, no matter what. Even if it meant drawing on a napkin. I started small with sketches, but as time went on, my passion led me to work with various mediums including charcoal on paper, acrylic paint on canvas, and digital creations. Among these, my absolute favorite is metallic acrylic on black painted gallery-wrapped canvas, a medium that I feel like truly expresses what I feel the most.
Throughout my 365-day journey, (which was in 2020) I realized that I was not just creating art, but I was also reconnecting with my inner child. This process became an avenue for self-development, healing, and sharing my experiences with others on a similar path of self-reflection and mental health awareness.
To me, art is a form of healing and connection. It’s about conveying emotions and experiences that resonate with others on a deep level. Whether it’s the pain from my own past, the lessons I’ve learned during my healing journey, or the stories of others, my inspiration comes from my most authentic self. I can’t create if it doesn’t feel that way. The fragmented and geometrical aspects of my work are influenced by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken objects are repaired with gold to make them more beautiful. In addition, music plays a significant role in shaping my designs. The frequencies of the songs I listen to guide the colors, lines, and shapes in my artwork, even when the emotions I’m trying to express aren’t fully formed.
Looking ahead, I want to establish places that fuse art and mental wellness, creating spaces where individuals can find solace, healing, and self-expression. I’m also passionate about supporting fellow creatives in their professional journeys, helping them excel in both their creative vocations and daily lives. Most importantly now: I enjoy being an artist and being a fan of other creatives in my community. My favorite part of being an artist is learning from other creatives and admiring their work.
Some events on the horizon: On October 7th, I’m thrilled to be part of an event called “Astronauts in the Alley,” organized by Centro San Antonio. This event celebrates diverse STEAM disciplines and offers interactive experiences that encourage attendees to explore different career paths, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
I’m gearing up for my third solo exhibit titled “About Words: Build or Destroy.” Which will be in March 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. The willingness to learn: being able to accept that I didn’t know anything and being willing to start from the beginning while practicing patience with myself. I learned that the beginners mindset is usually the best to have in the long run. You have to drop alot of pride at the beginning especially while having fear of judgement but It always pays off. Always. 2. Meditation: Been at it for almost 5 years now and I dont know where I would be if I didnt do so. Mediation doesn’t get rid of your problems but it helps you gain more capacity to solve or deal with them. I also gained more stillness and creativity through daily mediation. It strengthens the prefrontal cortex. Look it up.
3.Journaling: Asking yourself how your feel and why.. and staying persistent with it while really working on knowing yourself pays alot of dividends.
4. Rest: This is the one im bad at but im trying. I promise.
I try not to be an advice giver, so anything that I recommend to anyone I’ve tried or have been doing myself.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“schools for love do not exist. everyone assumes that we will know how to love instinctively. despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, we still accept that the family is the primary school for love.
those of us who do not learn how to love among family are expected to experience love in romantic relationships. however this love often eludes us.” -All about love by Bell Hooks.
In the past year, I’ve delved into more reading than usual. Among them, this book offered profound insights into the multifaceted nature of love and the dynamics of healthy self-love and genuine connections with others.
Another book that played an important role recently would be Stillness is the way by Ryan Holiday. Alot of gems on why we should seek more stillness in our lives, where we can find it and the philosophies behind it. Honorable mention to “The will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by Bell Hooks as well. It’s really hard to name just one book that played a part in my development, but the best books are the ones that challenge and help you form holistically.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbymav.com
- Instagram: @Mavp365
- Facebook: mavp365
Image Credits
Josh Huskin Tanner Freeman Mike Carey
