Creative talk

Maria Murphy

Maria is born and raised on the Emerald Isle of Ireland. She moved to Stockholm about 7 years ago. She has always painted and have also trained in Fine Art Painting in the Limerick School of Art and Design in Ireland. Her colour pallets, expressive brush strokes and drive to find the everyday interesting is what her work evokes. Art is a big part of her life but still manage to take some time for a great breakfast and a stroll through the city. She loves colour and think life without colour would be very dull. Meet Maria here.

Maria!
How are you today?
I am great! I have been on my Summer Holidays since last week and have been enjoying the great weather and freedom.

Please tell me more about your artistry?
I had this amazing tutor in Abbeyleix Fetac in my portfolio course before Art College. His name was Jock, he is a landscape painter. We often went outside drawing and painting the landscape and it was through him that I really loved the feel and texture of paint as a medium. He introduced me to the work of Donald Teskey who is renowned for his expressive and rougid Irish landscapes. It was here I fell in love with painting. Although I didn't realise it at the time as I was hell bent on becoming a fashion designer. I studied Fine Art Painting in the Limerick School of Art and Design Ireland and loved every minute of it. The painting department is one of a kind with amazing tutors. They really help you to think in a different way. You go to Art College to undraw.
When did you realize art was part of you?
Very early on, I was always drawing and painting. My mother got me private art lessons when I was about 10 as we didn't do that much art in school.

What does the weekend look like for you?
I usually have a million things I want to do but I always try to make room for my art practice. Because of covid it was actually a great excuse to stay home and paint. A normal weekend would involve working out and having a nice breakfast, going to an art gallery or just wandering around town. I think you need to feed the senses in order to be inspired to make work. You need to have a sense of play.

What are you dreaming about?
That one day I can make my artistic practice into a full time job.
What inspires you?
Oh so many things. Peter Doig would be my biggest inspiration, I love his compositions, collection of really imagined imagery, his application of paint. I love Matisse, Gauguin, the Impressionists, the Fauvists. Tala Madani, Sean Scully. At the moment I am fascinated by the drawings on Greek and Roman vases. I find these characters hilarious, their expressions and actions.

Where would you like to see your own art?
Venice Biennale, Gagosian Gallery, Lehmann Maupin all the huge contemporary Art Galleries. Loyal Gallery in Stockholm, I love their exhibitions, CF Hill. I would love to see my work combined with fashion like Peter Doig and Dior. That show was mind blowing.

What does art mean to you?
Hokusai used to get up everyday and draw. It was his form of meditation. Art is a form of escapism for me and it can be very immersive and meditative. You use it to reflect on so much but also express the subconscious.

Would you describe yourself as a creative soul?
Definitely, it's all I think about and want to be.
What would you like to do in five years?
Working 100% on my artistic business. Exhibiting work all over the world. Working with fashion brands on their set designs.

Who is a good artist according to you?
I will always say Peter Doig. I first saw a show of his in the Tate Gallery in London in 2008 and it blew my mind. I've seen his work at the Venice Biennale along with Chris Ofali and as a birthday present my partner brought me to Lousianna in Copenhagen to see his show. That was the best present I ever received!
Does your art reflect your personality?
I dont realise it at the time but after I have a chance to step back and reflect on it. It probably illustrates how I feel or how I see things. I love colour and I think life without colour would be very dull.

Do you have a life-hack to share with us?
Sometimes you can get too bogged down in concepts and ideas when it comes to making work. I believe the best way to begin anything is just to make the marks and the solution will come.