Interview with Maria Tehia
O-A: What is art to you? Is creating an urge, necessity or maybe an incontournable, essential way of life?
Maria Tehia: It’s for sure my recipe for life!. For work, fun, for contact with other artists, collectors or art lovers. And yes, my way of earning money, too!
O-A: What wouldn’t you do without art? What did you discover, achieve with it?
Maria Tehia: I discovered the love of my life: photography! I am fascinated with nature and cultural reportage, yes, but more with festivals, abrupt changes, short, intense moments that are marking us for a long time. Moments I am capturing through my lense.
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O-A: If a person, artist or not, influenced you, what kind of question would you ask him/her?
Maria Tehia: My children. They did! The way they perceive the world: a fresh, natural, instinctive one. Questions to them? No, I love when they are asking me questions!
O-A: Who or what inspired you artistically; a person, artist, event, experience…
Maria Tehia: Music. Music has a tremendous impact on my work. Especially jazz that opens in me creative freedom, shows diversity and unlimited creativity.
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O-A: What was the most interesting statement you heard about your work?
Maria Tehia: Someone once said that by looking at my work he felt immersed in another world. He saw different colors, moods from those familiar to him. That’s great, don’t you think?
O-A: How do you search for inspiration and themes for your work?
Maria Tehia: I never analyze this. It comes on its own. First the idea and then its modification during the creative process. I never know what will end up working on a specific topic.
O-A: How has your art changed over time? Why?
Maria Tehia: I am growing up, maturing. I think I’m more sophisticated in my approach to art. All the time it’s open and creative but with much greater awareness than a few years ago.
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O-A: Are you a synesthete? Have synesthetes ever commented on your paintings? How?
Maria Tehia: I have a synesthetic friend. Smells give her different mouth sensations. Sometimes it’s hair, sometimes sawdust or sand. He says it’s not always pleasant!
O-A: What names do you give your artworks?
Maria Tehia: I know that might be surprising, but my children, both small, are helping me with that.
O-A: What do you usually talk about with your collectors?
Maria Tehia: About what I will do in the future. This is my favorite subject and field for divagations! I am listening to them as well, I want to know what they think. A fascinating process, multi folded, inspiring process.
Interview with Maria Tehia
