More fun, more art, more paper, more music, and an endless stream of ideas cruising through my head. Here's what I've got:

Studio update 2019
Exhibition schedule for 2020
I've created and kept my own art website since 1997
My first newsletter from 2002

My studio is under construction and everything has been double wrapped in plastic and put away. Soon there will be a bathroom. Things just keep getting better, a gorgeous big art studio, a beautiful view to the north and to the south. In this holiday time of thanksgiving and gratitude, I must remember how far I have come.

Looking down over my painting and thinking

I work on the floor most often and especially for large paintings. Collage means I'm putting together pieces and I need to layout the pieces and imagine how they will look before I secure them into the work forever more. I've included two shots of me standing over and looking down and thinking about what comes next. That's what artist's do - think long and hard about things that no one else thinks of.

Collage is the coming together of parts and pieces to create something new. I think of these paintings as alchemy - the magic of creating something new by bringing together different elements that are somewhat mundane on their own.

I am working on my exhibition schedule for 2020 - putting together the details and working with possible venues. Also, I hope to do my yearly open studio show as well.

Looking down over my materials and thinking

It's the end of the year review and I'm reflecting on what I have now - a studio - which for me is the number one way to make sure my art life is all right. Over the years I've had 2nd bedrooms and living rooms covered in drop cloths, but the years when I have a proper studio are always the best.

I'm also thinking about all I've done over the years. I started www.maureenmaki.com in 1997. I have created and kept this site alive for 22 years. I created it myself most of those years including doing the HTML coding initially. There have been many incarnations. I am grateful to have had the foresight and tenacity to do so and never stop. I will be rolling out a new version of the site soon, so stay tuned.

An early paper piece using Chinese Joss paper

Below I am sharing my very first email newsletter that I sent in 2002 - before most of the web and email gurus even thought about telling artists to get websites and newsletters and accept credit cards online. Hey, I'm just saying - I am a trailblazer - still blazing along 17 years later. It's funny and comforting to see that I am still doing the same things I've always done. Same attitude, materials, and hustle to come up with ways to sell and promote my art. So, if you have the time you can read on and see how I felt back then.

April 15, 2002

Thank you for being here for the very first Ultramaureen newsletter and the beginning of a new chapter in my life as an artist. I welcome any comments, criticisms, and especially purchases….

I think I should explain the thinking that went into the idea of Ultramaureen as a web site, and tell you a bit about myself.

I am Maureen Maki and I’ve been making art, mainly 2-D: paintings, prints and drawings, since I can remember. At age 15 I really started getting serious about my paintings and calling myself an artist. Well now I’m 33 and many things have changed, and many things have stayed the same. I still make paintings and I still call myself an artist. It’s the one constant in my life. That, and my family.

I went off to college/art school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I majored in printmaking and painting while attending the esteemed university. I was truly devoted to intaglio printing and loved the paper, the process, and the ability to layer. I never got particularly excited about editioning or being very precise and proper. I made monotypes. I always used to say, “I print like a painter, and paint like a printmaker.” Anyhow, printmaking was very beneficial to my painting.

Next I moved to Detroit Rock City. I was able to live in large loft spaces and paint in a proper studio, like I imagined in my fantasy life. I went through lots of exploration in my work. Series of arrows, portraits, and emotionally charged self-portraits were made. (I’ll just add quickly that I was very involved in the music scene in both Detroit and Ann Arbor in conjunction with my visual work.)
For nine years I stayed in the beautiful forgotten city. I showed my art continuously and ran an independent gallery called 2-South with my partner Billy Hunter. And I sold a lot of work and made a name for myself.

In the year 2000 I moved to Los Angeles for no other reason than I needed a change, and my friend Dale did it. I had to start again at the bottom, so to speak, though I was armed with confidence and experience. I had to spend my precious art hours doing mundane tasks like finding an apartment, a dreaded job, and a place where I could paint. After crashing on couches, floors, and dumps, I finally got my apartment in Echo Park, Los Angeles, where I could set up shop and paint again in December of 2000.

I’ve been painting in the fabulous light of California and selling a bit of work too. I had a very successful first west coast show at the Ojala Gallery in February 2002, selling well over half of the pieces with great public reception. It felt good.

Meanwhile, I have the job, the life, and the art. I’ve maintained a web site since 1997, but haven’t focused much on selling online. I decided to really try and sell my smaller work (that can be easily shipped) via my site. Here goes…

I’ve got ALL new work. These are all original hand made paintings. I have collaged papers and painted images over the top. Much of the paper is found in the Chinese shops near my neighborhood. And a lot of the imagery is about the endless stream of electronic connections that have become commonplace in our world. You’ll notice a lot of computer screens, computer mouses (mice?,) electrical cords, guitars, and effects pedals for guitars.

This work is framed and ready to hang. Pieces are 8x10 inches; outer dimensions of frame are 9x11.25 inch. The work is matted and placed in a wood frame (usually black or natural wood) and covered in glass.

Please feel free to contact me via e-mail for any additional information.

Thank you again,
Maureen Maki

That was from 2002. As always e mail me here to let me know you read this. Give me your thoughts or set up a studio visit so you can tell me in person.

News from the Past and Future