Happy New Year!

So we made it. 2020! It sounds so cool to say 2020. Make SPACE for new and good stuff coming up real soon.

Space - science fiction movies
Space - a working art studio
Space - space planning

We are breaking all the rules, tearing apart our own stories. I love thinking about the science fiction films that imagined a world in 2001 (a space odyssey) or 2010 (the year we made contact) or 2019 (the first Blade Runner). I am by no means a science fiction buff but I do know we actually live in the year 2020. There are amazing advancements in technology but we're not flying through the streets in cars like they did in Blade Runner. Soon, maybe.

Some of my favorite pieces

I really want to wish you all a wonderful decade. May you be healthy and happy and creative in whatever you do!

These last few weeks have been in upheaval as I have had my studio turned upside down and my house turned upside down, both due to construction. And my health turned around as well as I suffered from a year end cold - probably due to construction dust. You have to go through in order to get to the other side.

Now I am putting the pieces back together and am reminded of what is important. Health - yup, that's pretty much always number one. Without that, you can't enjoy the rest. But the thing I want to focus on is art - and for me the best way to make sure I am getting my all important dose of creativity is to have a studio. Basically, I haven't had mine for a month and a half, and I miss it. I'm so excited to put it all back together. Starting 2020 fresh with an updated and clean (soon to be clean) and organized studio.

Yellow Breaks, Acrylic on Canvas, 48"x36", 2010

Here's an older piece from my Yellow series where I was making big bright yellow paintings. This one turned out quite nice, with iridescents coming through. I was recently in Palm Springs where I happened upon the Julianna Poldi Gallery. Some of Julianna's works were on exhibit and they reminded me so much of my paintings with metallics and iridescents and plenty of texture.

In addition to being in the studio, I also have to get out into the world. The desert is always magical for me. The wide open expanses and stillness. The light is different too. People talk about going for a walk to "clear their head." The desert is made for this. It opens up your head and lets new ideas pour in. Truly, I love the feeling of being there.

Incorporating color into every aspect of my life

Little known fact for some of you - I also work in Space Planning. I find space and then work to lease, design, and build. Not only do I get to use my visual skills to design floor plans and pick furniture and finishes, but also to make better spaces for people to be in.

Your environment is important. If you are able to make it efficient and beautiful, life is easier. If you are able to fill it with meaningful objects (think paintings or sculptures) that make you feel better, then you are more content and inspired.

My new paintings are about life and vibrance and energy. I hope you can look at them and feel alive and inspired. I'll be doing more as my studio gets up and running. My hope is that you will get to see them in person some time soon. Or at least on your screen as I continue my creative journey of making art and sharing it.

Alchemy - natural elements come together to create something new!

Maureen Maki

www.maureenmaki.com

2020 is here! Make SPACE for a great new year/decade.