It's worked out perfectly this year. I am coming to the end of a series, which means cleaning up the studio, getting the new work documented - and best of all, getting to a new starting point. I'm letting myself ease into my next series. My thoughts range from doing something totally different with my technique to exploring what worked best with my last batch of paintings.

Explosions in my Mind, Maureen Maki, 2020

Above is a painting entitled "Explosions in my Mind." I am really drawn to this one - and judging from my social media responses, other people are too. I am contemplating new paintings in the same vein, starting with the same color scheme. I'm in great shape to do this as I have cleaned the studio and stored papers by colors - I've got the red pile, the blues, the naturals, the purples, etc., on and on, it's overwhelming. Starting with the same color scheme does not mean it will end up there - just fair warning to myself and to you. Color is completely intuitive for me; I let it take me where it goes.

Floating In Space, Maureen Maki, 1999

I am reading a lot these pandemic days, as I suspect, are many of you. Currently, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, by Neil DeGrasse Tyson has my mind swirling with stellar dreams and hard facts about astrophysics. This of course, slides nicely into my series of paintings about how the 4 elements (and now 118 or so elements) comprise everything in our world.

In fact, a recent New York Times article cited a famous woman astromoner Dr. Margaret Burbidge, "the heavier elements are synthesized from the lighter ones by thermonuclear reactions within stars. Loosed into space, these elements can also recombine to form new stars, beginning the cycle once more." The article goes on to say, "we are all, in essence, made from stars." (I love that we are all made from stars!)

All that to say in layman artist terms - everything is everything. It propels me to continue my studies as a collage artist putting pieces together to create something new.

Tender Blue, Maureen Maki, 2020

It's a new year and I would like to start by expressing some gratitude. Here's what I told a magazine asking about who I want to thank for their support for my life and career as an artist.

I have to thank my parents for being my biggest supporters. The walls of their home were covered with Maureen Maki originals. What makes it all the more sweet is that they had no experience with art before their daughter announced that she would like to be an artist. They felt it probably wasn’t the best career choice, but they encouraged it because I was their child. That’s just the type of people they were. I’m quite sure they never went to an art gallery until they attended my art openings. They made an appearance at every show that was within driving distance.

If you cannot tell or do not know, both of my parents died several years ago. I miss them greatly and think it is important to acknowledge all they've done for me.

Also, I must note, another pandemic positive and something inspired by my mom - I have taught myself to knit. Super fun, addictive, creative outlet that has helped me these last few months.