Finding glory in the human face with Maya Corona
Maya Corona
Artis: watercolour, acrylics, and mixed media painter.
Maya Corona is an emergent artist, designer, and instructor with a deep passion for art and collaboration. Born and raised in Mexico City, Maya has over 20 years of experience in graphic design, with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising & Graphic Design and a Diploma in Electronic Media Design. In 2019, she focused solely on her art career, her true calling. We spoke to Maya about what inspires her work in advance of the Pride In Art show on May 26.
Pride In Business: How did you start painting, and why did you choose that medium to explore in your art?
Maya Corona: I’ve always been passionate about creativity since I was a child. I remember saving my allowance to buy new art supplies or take classes at the community center, even just watching craft shows. Selling candy at school or family gatherings was a way to fund my love for art. I studied graphic design and advertising, but soon realized I wanted to re-evaluate my goals, so I started painting with watercolours and connect with people through my art.
Maya Corona
Artis: watercolor, acrylics, and mixed media painter.
PIB: How does your art affect your identity, and what are you trying to say with your subject matter?
MC: Painting women's faces for me is to consider what it is to be a woman and a human. The human face is a glorious piece of engineering, but what intrigues me the most is how that outside facade reveals and conceals the real person. This collection [I am sharing at the Pride In Art show] shows how we keep hiding and pretending we don't have any problems, difficult emotions, or conflicts. These portraits represent the image or faces we present to the rest of the world and the way we want others to believe that Everything is working out great for us because we're afraid of the shame, embarrassment, and judgment that might come if people knew the truth: that we are struggling, our lives are unmanageable, our loved ones are troubled, that were not perfect.
PIB: Who are your biggest artistic influences?
MC: Frida Kahlo because of her art and her life story. As a Mexican artist, Frida is known for her self-portraits, which often depicted the pain and suffering she experienced due to a tragic accident she had when she was young. Kahlo's work was not only aesthetically powerful, but it also conveyed a strong message of female empowerment and resilience. She was unapologetically herself, both in her art and in her personal life, which included a marriage to fellow artist Diego Rivera that was both tumultuous and passionate. Kahlo's refusal to conform to traditional gender roles and her ability to use her art to express her pain and experiences have inspired generations of women to embrace their own identities and pursue their passions without fear.
Maya Corona
Artis: watercolor, acrylics, and mixed media painter.
PIB: Which trends inspire your current work?
MC: Colour. I use it to convey emotions, set the tone of my pieces, and impact the mood. And while I use bright, bold colours in my artwork, pastels have played a big part in my current paintings. They bring some calm to the viewer, giving my pieces an aura and theme of peace and serenity.
PIB: Are you currently involved in any other artistic activity other than painting?
MC: I am building two communities: The Purpose of the Magic Colour Makers Community, in which we are bringing together artists, creators and industry professionals who are curious and love exploring new things. We are open to change and willing to learn and share what we know in the areas of art, business, communications and relationships so that we can all live well from our art, keep our creativity thriving, do more of what we love to do, improve our skills as creative professionals, and expand who we know ourselves to be with like-minded people on the same journey.
Also, I am building Calgary Artist Studio Tour (CAST), a collective of artists supporting each other to raise awareness that artists live and work all around you! CAST aspires to create meaningful connections between the general public and artists in Calgary and the surrounding regions. Our goal is to create an annual art weekend that is vibrant and exciting and displays the range and depth of artistic ability in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
PIB: How do you use your social media to amplify your career as an artist?
MC: As an artist, utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google my business and Linkedin, it's been an effective way to showcase my work and gain exposure. Since 2019, I have been using social media to promote my art, and it has helped me reach collectors that may have been difficult to get otherwise.
Through social media, I have been able to share my art with a larger audience, build a following, and connect with other artists and collectors. Because of these, I got increased sales, more exhibition opportunities, and more recognition in your field. I've also received feedback and support from your followers and peers, which can be motivating and inspiring. Social media it's been a powerful tool for artists to promote their work and grow their careers. By utilizing social media platforms effectively, you can reach a wider audience and connect with people interested in your art.
To experience Maya’s work and the work of other featured artists, get your tickets for the Pride In Art event on May 26, 2023 here.
If you want to see more of Maya Corona’s work or to get in touch with her:
Website: mayacorona.com
Instagram: @mayacoronaart
Facebook: MayaCoronaArt
Behance: Maya Corona
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Felipe Angel Jasso Perches
PIB — Manager, Pride In Art
Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Felipe Angel Jasso Perches