Maria Shanina is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

Maria Shanina creates delicate contemporary textile works by painting directly on silk and then carefully and meticulously disassembling her paintings to create new compositions. Captivated by the ancient oriental art of silk painting, she explores ways of balancing the expressiveness of flowing paint and minimalist design.

Artist's current body of work reflects her study on the positive effect of art and aesthetics on mental health and wellbeing that’s called neuroaesthetics. Maria sees neuroaesthetics as a powerful force that can positively impact communities by affecting people’s behavior and feelings, by decreasing levels of stress and anxiety, by improving focus and bringing calmness and joy. In her work Maria experiments with various media and techniques and creates dynamic compositions that evoke positive emotional response. Through her research and art practice Maria’s goal is to spread awareness on the importance of art and aesthetics in our society and its healing nature.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

I have a background in fine arts and a diploma in silk painting and decorative arts. Since being a kid I always liked working with temperamental media like ink, liquid paints and watercolor. Although to paper I prefer more tangible and soft materials as textiles and my favorite of those is silk. While building my design career for more than a decade, I kept practicing my art. My passion for visual arts and my expertise in product design align perfectly, enabling me to apply best practices from both fields in my studio practice.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

I paint directly on silk, steering inks over it to create dozens of light semi-transparent layers of wild dynamic forms. This is my experiment of finding a balance between being in control of artwork and letting the liquid media flow freely. Ink and silk allow me to focus on the technique rather than on my brushstrokes. It enables me to paint freely and permit myself to go with the flow. As a result, I managed to establish a style of my work that gave a distinct touch to the whole theme of my art.

In my search for lightness and movement I started deconstructing the silk surfaces, leaning on the weaving process in the opposite way. Eventually, there was an installation of a painting on silk, when not the painting but only its impression was left imprinted into silk threads.

And how about what inspires you?

Nature, as it is, is my biggest inspiration. Drama in the skies when a thunderstorm approaches and leaves a rainbow hanging as an elegant afterthought against heavy indigo clouds. Sounds, light, the aroma of flowers outside, and fresh air are essential. Rain or snow, I’ll keep my windows open for a short time to get a fresh breath of crisp morning air, and hear robins chirping in the garden.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

My expertise in product design taught me how to embrace experimentation and accept failure. Now I see failures rather as a process of learning and growth. This change in my mindset encourages me to stop worrying about the outcome and immerse myself in the process of creation. Therefore I tend to experiment and try new things in each of my new works. Practicing this makes myself – and my work – thrive more fully.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

My studio practice is a balance. The balance between minimalism in design and chaos of art-making. During the day, I like to sit on the stairs and observe the space, think about the next steps of my project, and reflect on the current progress. Then I turn on my speaker with one of my favourite podcasts about art or design, women's movements, or social impact, and become swallowed by my practice. This is the time when I'm in the flow - the process I'm fully emerged into, creating. It can only be interrupted by a short break when I enjoy a cup of tea or hot cocoa. Although it's not a typical day as my studio changes all the time. It’s all about keeping my space and workflow responsive and adaptive to the project I’m working on. But that’s the beauty of life. The non-stop motion.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

As a person with a growth mindset, I'm a constant learner. And due to my curiosity, I sign up for various classes when my time allows. I've recently learned an amazing technique of mono printing that I'm already thinking of applying to my textile practice. Next, I'd like to learn weaving but not just weaving as an end step of the textile process. I want to follow my granny's steps and learn how to harvest fibers, spin the yarn, and then weave.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

My current body of work continues to reflect the main theme of my art, which is the positive effect of art and aesthetics on mental health and wellbeing. I currently experiment with various media and techniques, mixing the softness of silk and the roughness of canvases. Going wider scale. I make my silk surfaces into objects, a mass of geometric yet soft abstract forms. Placed against rough backgrounds these objects enchant with their lightness and beauty. Despite the uncertain global times, I want to capture this fleeting, almost elusive moment of calmness to share the spirit for life with others.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I feel extremely honored to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch. It means a lot to me. It means that my work is valued. But what's even more important, it means that the message that I share with others is seen. And will be seen by more people. And I hope that my work will be perceived as shared anticipation of a better future, engaged with the embracement of the moment.

Anything else you want to add?
A huge thank you for this opportunity!

See more of Maria Shanina’s work

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