MARIA A.C.

NAME: maria a.c.

At which age did you start creating art? And why do you feel
compelled to create?
I’ve been a creative person since I was a little girl I
guess. I used to draw, make jewellery, then started to
screen print, knit, sew, take photos, and the list goes on!
I need to feel stimulated at all times, and to create things
in order to express myself.

  What are you inspired by? And who do you look up to?
I find inspiration in the places I go to and the people I
meet. Flickr is also an invaluable source of inspiration.

Which influential artist would you like to ask for advice?
Cartier-Bresson, Doisneau, Willy Ronis...

If you had to put up one piece of artwork on your wall
and stare at it for a year,
 who would it be by and why?
Paris par la fenêtre by Marc Chagall.

  Tell us about your creative process.
It depends, sometimes the opportunity for a good photo is
there and there is no thought beyond how to frame it; and
at other times, I come up with ideas of photos. These
always involve mixing my daily routines with a touch of
eccentricity or uniqueness.

Do you ever find weird connections between life and art?
My photography is a recollection of my life, if you want to
put it that way.


  As an artist, are you Technical or passionate? 
Mostly passionate, then the technicalities come up. After
all, a good photo is about good framing, not just happy
snapping.

  How do you determine when a work is finished?
Or is it ever finished?
I’m not very keen on retouching my own photos, so as long
as they’re developed in the best possible way I’m happy.
Although I do see the benefits in post-processing and
retouching, I don’t think this suits my style that much.

  Do you think there are boundaries you would never
 cross in your art making?
Never say never.

  What frightens you most about your art?
Nothing.

  Do you have any magic cures for creative blocks? 
Sleepless nights are the best cure for me, when my brain
can’t stop thinking. And walks in the park or by
Regent’s Canal.


  Do you dream about your artwork?
Sometimes, yes.

  Which of your own works are you most proud of/ is most
 meaningful to you and why?
I have a photo of my boyfriend in his parent’s house with
my legs on top of him. I don’t know why but it’s my
favourite photo. German foot fetishists also seem to like
it, according to the flickr visits…

  Which art mediums and brands do you prefer to use?
Film! Film! Film! I like the benefits of digital
photography, but I think I will always prefer the magic and
the grain of film. And waiting to have the photos developed.

  What kind of art education do you have?
Do you think it is important?
I did arts and literature, but always liked literature
more. My major was in Modern Languages. I don’t think
this has any importance to do what I do.


What kind of career do you ultimately want?
And what kind of career do you think you'll end up having
(or already have) realistically?
I tend to be disenchanted when my passion becomes a duty,
so I only see photography as a pastime or a freelance
activity.

  Is your family supportive of your art?
Who influenced and nurtured your creativity most?
Absolutely, my mother is a painter and my grandmother is a
professional tailor, so having them around was always
inspirational. My boyfriend was the person who gave me a
Spotmatic for my birthday and showed me how to use it. I
wouldn’t like photography so much if it wasn’t for him.

  Which direction do you see your art heading in the future?
Hopefully taking more, better photos.

  Who are some of your heroes outside
 of the visual art stream?
I don’t have heroes I’m afraid.