Maria Flores of Say Hola is a multi disciplinary artist with a strong appreciation for colour, pattern, geometry and form. A woman after my own heart!
Born in El Salvador, Maria came to Australia in 1978 when she was 8 years old, and credits growing up with two rich cultures for giving her the freedom to express herself freely and explore the colourful influences in her life. Something that is definitely evident in her artworks, each a celebration of Maria’s inspirations and experiences.
As a child, she grew up playing with clay, sewing and was always drawing, and this love of creativity led her to explore studies in Fine Arts, majoring in tapestry. Although it was only after taking a break from her studies that Maria really found a focus, listened to her instincts and started creating art with a strong direction.
Now as a professional, her artworks are a mix of unique colour palettes, geometric shapes, patterns and modern clean lines that are recognisable, bold and enthusiastic.
Pieces often feature hand and eye motifs, representing a sign of protection and blessings and are all created with love and intention in her Melbourne based studio.
Today I interview Maria on her inspirations and experiences as an artist. Read on below.
How would you describe your work?
I use different mediums to tell my story, ranging form acrylic paint, screenprinting, block printing, cynotypes embroidery etc…I like changing it up and exploring whilst keeping true to my core creative subjects. In my work you’ll find the use of hands and eyes, as I feel connected to the power of the meaning behind these as symbols. Symbols and shapes are part of my code that celebrate my beliefs and the use of confident use colour honours my culture. I want my work to connect like a personal mantra or meditation.
Can you give us some insight into your process? How do you create your artworks?
My process is simple…artwork starts with a thought, a song, a colour or texture I see and like a little spark and it grows into a fire. I don’t always create on the spot, I am stubborn like that, I wait until the time is right. And then there are days where I just can’t stop…my intuition gets the better of me. I gravitate towards pink…for some reason I always start with this colour and grow from there, its a habit or maybe a ritual.
What does a day in the office/studio look like for you?
I am not in the studio everyday, however when I am it’s coffee first, check emails, check my to do list and add to it…clean up my table and procrastinate… it helps me focus (yes!). I decide what I will work on…it could be visual diary, learning a new technique, collaging or starting/continuing/finishing a piece. I like working alone, with music or a documentary about my fave artists or creative movement, I light up insence or a candle the smell is familiar and keeps me in place. A productive day in the studio is when I feel good about what ever I’ve created…I like turning the light off at the end and then turning back on to look at my work, this allows me to understand and see my work from a different place as a viewer not as the artist.
What inspires your artworks?
My inspiration is culture, rituals, omens, moon phases, relationships, life. My pieces are spiritual and intuitive but I try keep it light. I’m not a preacher, I do have strong views but my art is a way of communicating and connecting with others. I love how my work speaks to different people, its personal.
What are some resources you use for inspiration?
Books (on rotation An Eames Primer and Artists in Conversation). Magazines. Art blogs and podcasts (especially Creative Pep Talk, that always gets me out of a creative funk).
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why?
I’m inspired by people in the industry who are genuine, brave and do their own thing their way. I am inspired by many but here are just a few: I’m currently inspired by Cuban American artists Carmen Herrera for staying strong and persisting with her work despite the current, her colours, her lines and shapes where a topic of discussion for the wrong reasons..but this is the way she saw the world. I really like Canadian artist Emily Filler for her intensity of a simple beautiful subject and I am intrigued by Mexican artist Daniel Barreto for his use of animation on his works and whilst we’re on this topic always an inspiration Alessandro Michelle (Gucci Creative Director) his vision is impeccable and his style is an amalgamation of everything that makes me happy.
What would your dream project/collaboration be?
I’ve collaborated with a few brilliant brands who respected and honoured my work and hope I can collaborate with more in the future. I often dream about who I’d love to work with, if Henri Matisse, Charles Eames or Fernando Llort were alive I think that would be a given but in reality I think I would love to collab with Reko Rennie, Camilla Walala and my ultimate dream collab Esther Malangu.
What are some of your favourite pastimes?
Gallery hopping, architecture spotting and vintage shopping
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
Shag Melbourne. Fiorina Jewellery. Bahamonde Boutique
What’s next for Say Hola?
I’m going digital! I’m old school, I’ve been pushing back on my work being accessible online however its time. I’m also planning on getting my work on textiles to be made into wearable art pieces and perhaps an exhibition in the next 6 months.
Follow Maria at @say_hola on Instagram / All images supplied by Maria Flores