Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Maria Barci

Hi guys, how are you??

I feel like I've not been on line much this week.

I've had bits and pieces of things take me out of my regular routine; 

some good like my bff coming to stay, some bad like sitting in hospital waiting rooms for half a day because my grandma had a fall (she's okay!)...but all in all now I'm hoping to get back into doing some arting tomorrow, because well I deserve a treat ;)

We have an interview this week from a toonster, with I believe some very wise words for us all, enjoy =)

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
Hello, my name is Maria and I'm an artist and living in the "usually pretty sunny" Bay Area of California. I'm 42 years old and I have been drawing my little folks and critters for about 7 years now. What started out as a purely experimental drawing session in a cafe` one afternoon turned out to be one of the most rewarding days of my life. As I looked into my notebook and saw the inklings of a funny looking creature, I knew I was on to something. I kept at it, and with the support and encouragement of some VERY key people, I basically was nurtured into birthing my 'toons : ) Hmm, what kind of artist am I? I don't know! Suffice to say, I love art, identify with and explore all things creative; my latest endeavour being art journaling, thus, my happy discovery of Jennibellie : ) I also am a writer and am equally passionate about that.

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I face as an artist is...not being understood! I overcome this by forcing open the curtain and stepping out into the world anyway. I do this "courage calisthenic" even when my heart is pounding and my throat is tight. I believe the only way you can overcome fear is to step into it. And that is my life's goal; to always be there for myself and make sure that I am being true to who I am at any given moment regardless of the opposition (I'm not always successful, but I try!). Expression comes at a cost. Sometimes you won't be liked, other times you'll be ridiculed or even slammed for being you, but the key is to do it anyway. That is the only way to find out who you really are artistically (and otherwise). 

What is the best thing / worst thing that art has brought into your life?
The best thing that art has brought into my life is...healing. Seven years ago when I first started arting, as I like to call it, I was a broken, fractured soul. Because of life's circumstances and some foolish choices I'd made, I felt like I was beyond help, stranded on some faraway galaxy. When I picked up the paintbrush, however, and started delving into art, my whole perspective changed. I began to understand what was going on inside of me. I realized that I could put a face and a form to whatever I was feeling by drawing, collaging, sculpting and just doing whatever I fancied. Art literally put me back together again; it gave me an identity and brought meaning to my life. 

What advice would you offer to any perspective new artist?
The advice I would offer any prospective artist is this: be yourself and enjoy life! It's really that simple. Smell a flower, stroll into a cafe, get involved in the mystery of life, relax and make something. Start small, listen to yourself and proceed with love. Miracles will ensue. God bless.

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?
You can find more of me and my art at: Pen and Inks by Cartoonmamma (on Facebook) and at: society6.com

Thank you very much for sharing your 'toons and story with us Maria =) I agree with a lot of what you said but what you said after 'Expression comes at a cost' really struck me ~ '...sometimes you won't be liked, other times you'll be ridiculed or even slammed for being you, but the key is to do it anyway.' I've felt a video along these lines coming for a very long time, because I think a lot of us get criticized just for doing what we do, a lot more that what we may realise ~ certainly I get a lot more emails from fellow artists on the subject that what I would have dared guess before I started posting online. Essentially I believe 'the key is to do it anyway' too because who on our deathbeds will we most regret not listening to ~ our own inner voice, or another persons ideal of what our life or art should be? Ultimately no matter what anybody elses opinion is, the only person we ever have to answer to (or make happy) is ourselves...

Do you want to be TATed??

To be featured email me or find all the details here =)