Artistic Visions Unveiled Maya Schulz in Conversation

Economic Focus speaks to visionary artist Maya Schulz, who shares with us her passion for art and what inspires her work.

Maya’s journey from a young immigrant to a successful artist, a TV presenter, as well as an award winning digital and tech leader, has been shaped by her passion for art, resilience and her determination. Maya Schulz’s art celebrates cultural diversity and pays homage to her beautiful Asian heritage. She is a member of the ABCC.

Our conversation with Maya provided an opportunity to explore her artistic influences, the stories behind her most iconic pieces, and the techniques she employs to bring her visions to life. We explore the challenges she has faced as an artist, the lessons she has learned along the way, and how she continues to push the boundaries of her craft.

Tell us about your artistic journey. How did you discover your passion for art, and what led you to pursue it as a career?

I discovered my love and passion for art at a very young age. I was born in Bangladesh and moved with my family to the UK just after the civil war broke out there. As English was not my first language, I found solace and a way to communicate through my art.

I was encouraged by my school to enter the national art contest to commemorate the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. At the age of eight, I became the youngest artist to win.

My father was one of my biggest champions, he encouraged me to develop my artistic talents. My work was displayed in all of his restaurants, and I inherited his entrepreneurial spirit in attracting commissions from other restaurants and started selling my art at an early age.

My career eventually took another path when I became a TV presenter and then went on to become a successful digital and tech leader. Throughout my journey and personal challenges, art has always been my constant anchor and support.

I have used art to help a close friend through their challenges when dealing with bipolar disorder, to help her through the darkness. My friend went on to study art and used art therapy to help with periods of deep depression.

Unfortunately, through very tragic circumstances I lost my friend in 2022 after years of battling with her mental health. This forced me to reevaluate my life and I decided to pursue my love for art and in memory of my friend who was one of my biggest advocates.

Art is embedded in my DNA; I have been an artist for several decades now. After creating countless pieces over the past four decades, I decided it was finally time to pursue my journey as an artist. I did not have to rediscover my love for art, as it has always been a big part of my identity.

What inspires you the most as an artist? Are there specific themes, emotions, or concepts to which you find yourself drawn?

I incorporate elements of my heritage into my art that explores my own identity and my roots. I often use traditional techniques from my cultural background, infusing my work with a sense of cultural pride and personal history. My desire is to create artwork that is not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful. My art serves as a celebration of my identity, a reflection of my connection to the world and a catalyst for cultural understanding.

Could you encapsulate your artistic style in three words? How would you define the unique characteristics that set your work apart and what does it represent?

I would describe my artistic style as –Impressionistic, Enchanting and Vibrant.

My artistic process utilises a variety of mediums to achieve the desired effects in my artwork. I work with oils, acrylics, and texturing techniques to add depth, texture, and dimension to my paintings. Additionally, I incorporate gold leaf, a traditional and luxurious material, to bring a touch of opulence and symbolism to my pieces.

I create landscapes, portraits, and other subjects, all inspired and influenced by my culture, heritage, surroundings, and life experiences. I work in different mediums and techniques, sometimes mixing styles to create unique one-off pieces.

I recently discovered a new passion for painting abstract pieces, blending various techniques and playing with different mediums. I started experimenting with fluid art. I love the freedom that abstract art allows you. I am fascinated with the power of colour and how it can evoke different emotions. I create unique pieces, some from deep in my imagination and influenced by what is going on around me.

Growing up in a multicultural environment, I have been exposed to a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and artistic expressions, including henna art and use of gold leaf.

What role do you believe art plays in society? How do you envision your art contributing to or impacting the world around you?

I believe art has the power to bridge gaps and foster understanding between different cultures and genders. It can create a dialogue to promote cross-cultural appreciation, showcasing the beauty in our differences and also the humanity we all share. By recognizing both our differences and our commonalities, we can cultivate a culture of acceptance, cooperation and harmony in our interconnected world.

My art is about cultural identity, the pieces are my personal tribute to strong women across world. I want my paintings to be a testament to the strength, resilience, and beauty of women all over the world. My art focuses on the rich tapestry of different cultures that make our world so vibrant and unique.

Through art, I want to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about culture and gender and shed light on the diversity and complexity of my heritage, showcasing its beauty and significance.

By blending my personal experiences and my cultural heritage, my art serves as a celebration of my identity, a reflection of my connection to the World and a catalyst for cultural understanding.

Maya’s work is currently on show at the following locations:

London Showrooms

Collier Webb Pimlico Road, London Collier Webb

Chelsea Design Centre, London Gabriel Fine Ar Tower 42, London

Maya’s Upcoming Exhibitions

World Art Dubai UAE, 2nd to 5th May 2024

Palazzo Bembo Venice Italy, April to Nov 2024

54 The Gallery

Mayfair, London, 29th July to 4th August 2024 https://mayaschulzart.com

Follow Maya on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/ mayaschulzart/ https://www.facebook.com/ Mayaschulz

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