Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Keen.
Hi Maria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Name is Masha Keen. I was born in Novgorod, Russia and that’s where I first showed interest in visual art. We had plenty of art magazines called “Artist” at home and I went through all of them countless times. I just couldn’t get enough of those paintings and drawings that were published in them! By age 7 if I was asked: “who you want to be when you grow up?” I always said: I want to be an artist! I went through art school for children where I learned basics of academic drawing, painting as well as art history that I loved and later art college which I graduated with decorative and applied art degree. After that I immigrated to the US and just kept painting and drawing, entering various shows, sharing my art online. Now I work in my studio that my husband built for me, trying new things, trying to evolve in my craft.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I enjoy art. I love seeing it in museums, learn about it, create it, share it. The main struggle is to believe that I too have a place in the art world. Sometimes I look around and feel like everything has been created already! Does any one need my pieces too? But then I think of my favorite quote by Louis Khan: “The creation of art is not the fulfillment of a need but the creation of a need. The world never needed Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony until he created it. Now we could not live without it.”
And that keeps me going!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I paint, I draw, I weave tapestries which is my specialty, Besides that I enjoy photography and designing and laser cutting wooden jewelry. I’m always willing to learn new things! I did murals and painted on concrete floors, I painted realistic portraits and abstracts. I really try not to be repetitive and always grow and sharpen my skills.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Most important lesson I’ve learned is that you can never be done. There’s always the next thing in my head that can’t wait to be out in the world on paper or canvas or in some other way. Also not every criticism is worth listening to!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_shed_studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61571136344000/about/
