Maria Cantare — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

May 1

May 1 Maria Cantare

Biography

My name is Maria Cantare, I was born in Hungary. In my younger days, I started drawing by copying other artist's work. I didn't have the opportunity to go to art school. I went on to study through practical experience, learning via trial and error. My favorite artist, Zdislav Beksinski,Meranda Turbak and Deb Weiers.During creation, I use many different tools, which give me the freedom to manifest my vision. I like to experiment with new materials. I have been five years full-time working artist, selling and showing my work around the United States by way of the internet, artisan markets, and juried shows.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

I have loved art ever since I was a child. As a teenager, I passionately copied pencil drawings of Michelangelo and Dürer. Receiving praise made me feel like an artist. As an adult, my life went a different direction - family, children, and jobs using numbers and statistics. Only in the last five years has art been back in my life. I feel able to do what I love and have the desire to create every day. The art lover will decide what kind of artist I am.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I use my imagination and strive to make my creations sad, humorous, and scary at the same time. I am driven by curiosity to expand my knowledge about art, different techniques, new and unusual ideas. I focus all my efforts on growing professionally.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

My figurative work projects our struggles, our losses, our loneliness, our joys, and compels people to find their own stories in my creations. I give the viewer something to explore or spur a question for them.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

I am a mixed media artist. The materials I use depend on the theme and my mood. I always start with a detailed sketch with a pencil on paper. My permanent tools are pen, black ink, color pencil, and acrylic. For the final touch, I often scan my work to my computer and add extra effects or paint with my Wacom tablet.

What is your favorite part of the creative process?

To see my ideas come alive, and put my soul and whole self in my creations with the materials and colors. I create art because I love the full process.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

I feel lucky because I have the opportunity to exhibit in the future both in the United States and in Europe. Dates are uncertain because of the pandemic. The confinement created new life situations, and we must adapt. It's time to strengthen my online presence. I am truly honored to have my work recognized by the prestigious "Collector's Vision International Art Award." I want to thank the independent international jury. It is a great inspiration for further creations.

Website cantareart.com

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