Maria Fe Miranda

Where do you live: Ormoc City, Philippines
Describe your art in three words: Analogous, thriving, reminiscent
Your discipline: Visual and Creative arts; literature
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How did your childhood experiences, like traveling to Camotes Island, shape your artistic vision today?

I did not realize until today that most of my personal projects always relate to events in my life either something that happened in the past or my hopes for the future. And as for that, it’s truly simple, Camotes Island is beautiful and during my childhood years, its untouched nature was captivating and refreshing because I have always been drawn to the mountains and the lush green grass and tall forest trees. However, the price that I always have to pay to see it is the fear of traveling in the deep waters and somehow I wanted to incorporate showing fears and beauty in one picture and that recent art vision just suits the emotional context. 

How has being a mother influenced your creativity and the themes in your art?

It changed everything. I was surprised myself. I used to create artworks through my interest in fashion design showcasing patterns and visual texture from nature and everyday object encounters but in motherhood, I lost that part. I mean, I let go of it. I suddenly didn’t think it’s worth it and have to search something that embodies a meaningful output, something that sparks joy, curiosity and inspiration to my kids. Flora and fauna are always the best forms for kids. I think I’m closer to knowing myself better because of my children’s pure tenderness and though it doesn’t feel like that some days, I’m grateful to be where I am with my family and for the various art themes that I have yet to discover as life growth continues.

Maria Fe Miranda, Out of place, 2024

Your project describes transforming childhood fears into something therapeutic. Can you share more about how art has helped you heal emotionally?

Most of the time, I easily get overstimulated and overwhelmed from other people and societal norms. And growing up, I’ve always wanted a place in art school but not everything can just easily go my way so from the early childhood school days with drawing as my form of escape up to college years where I sat in classes at the College of Architecture and Fine Arts building at my university in Cebu to running away once or twice during my international study in New South Wales, arts and literature has always been my reason both for healing and sometimes along the rough path, cause of struggles. What I mean is, for an artist to be deprived of creative pursuits is like catching a fish only to place it in the aquarium, what a small world that is. I feel breathless from the thought. But when I’m at liberty to be in my creative space, I feel like no matter how bad things are, everything will be Okay. And if it doesn’t feel so, then maybe because I need more art time.

Can you walk us through your process of creating the artwork inspired by Camotes Island? How did you decide on the colors, textures, and mood?

It all started when I miss going back there for a nice time at the beaches. A sudden thought came how before one reaches the amazing shores, those rocky cliffs had to be faced first. And while it’s true that I love mountains in my artworks, the one in Camotes island is just different because fear is attached to it. So, I decided it would be a great challenge to pull out a semi-realistic view of what was in my head. During sketching, I chose bright colors as though the sunny light is everywhere hitting the edges of rocks to highlight the forms, patterns and details. But along the way, it turned out I wanted it gloomy to commemorate the feelings of how it was like for me then. 

Maria Fe Miranda, Still here, 2024

You mentioned starting with mandalas, clay sculpting, and digital stickers. How has your artistic style evolved over the years?

During those times, I was exploring different mediums because I have seen various mixed media pieces while I was in Sydney and I was amazed that I also tried mandalas inspired by the intricate designs of the Aboriginal people. And I have always had an obsession for baking thus, I got involved in clay sculpting because of fondant making characters, objects and especially rose petals. But the shift was difficult because fondant is more manageable and clay like dough needs thorough kneading to use it accordingly. As an artist, my creativity and artistic style will continue to evolve as I’m open to positive influences that helps art projects look even more attractive and purposeful. Besides being a wife and mother keeps bequeathing me a rollercoaster ride of sentiments and deeds that most of the time has the biggest impact on my decisions whether in art or in life. 

What are your aspirations for your art, and how do you envision sharing your creative journey with your daughter?

Art has made a huge impression in my life and character and beginning last year, I have this strong desire to open an art studio dedicated for kids and those who want to venture in this mesmerizing world of endless creation here in our beautiful city. I have been planning for it and my daughter keeps inspiring me to one day make it happen because it can greatly assist her in the journey. She has always wanted a freeform of art where everything comes from her unique mind and interests and not dictation. I guess it’s safe to say I want to impart personal learnings to young and aspiring children by being an art teacher. It’s truly a dream to have a dedicated space where my daughter and I can call it our own, an innovative place where we can both develop and be fond of.

As a mother and artist, how do you balance the demands of family life with your creative pursuits?

I have watched a video clip somewhere about a successful CEO woman who said there’s no such thing as balance especially for a working Mom. I can only imagine the pros and cons because even I as a full-time SAHM thanks to my supportive husband, barely completes daily tasks without going insane or breaking down. Since my husband works in a ship overseas, the many roles that I had to play for the kids is for a lack of better term “crazy”. However, no matter how the day went, when my children are nicely tucked in bed and sleeping, I get up and start recharging myself by getting this much needed ‘me’ time either by sketching foods I ate during the day, to illustrating another idea in the ipad or painting in the canvas. At the end of the day, I commit myself to a few minutes to hours of creative moments even at 2am and just thank God for allowing it. This way, I can be present for my family and still continue being me. 

Maria Fe Miranda, Pinhole, 2024