Amarylismatic (Maria Matic)

How did your upbringing, surrounded by art, literature, and music, shape your artistic vision?

Growing up in an environment filled with art, literature, and music greatly influenced my artistic vision. Art, in its various forms such as music, acting, writing, painting, and photography, serves as a powerful medium to express emotions, ideas, and thoughts.

I find that the best painting experiences often occur while listening to good music, as the rhythm and melody inspire my brushstrokes to dance on canvases. The titles of my paintings and the stories behind them are like small, important narratives that resonate with ideas and connect with the public.

Paintings are unspoken words and unheard music that have been used since ancient times to showcase presence, existence, hopes, and prayers for a better future. They were embracing the walls of caves and buildings.

What role did your father’s artistic journey play in inspiring your own path as an artist?

My father’s artistic journey has played a significant role in inspiring my own path as an artist. I have always been captivated by stories of family members or close friends who inspire younger generations to pursue similar creative and professional paths. In my case, this was the profession and hobby of my father. My father’s passion for drawing life portraits when I was just a child left a lasting impression on me. Even now, my greatest delight is in portrait and figure painting set against a landscape.

Amarylismatic (Maria Matic) | Ducklings Swimming

You’ve lived and worked across multiple continents. How has this multicultural experience influenced your art?

My architectural professional career spans over 5 continents (North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia). To accomplish a successful architectural project, it is crucial to understand the place and what will bring a positive outcome to the people who will be using, working, and living in that building. In the same way, I approach painting with the same mindset. I would like to transmit positive energy and positive outcomes through painting. For instance, my painting “Tree of Life in Spring,” which will be exhibited at the Venice Art International Show this year, is achieving this goal by connecting with viewers and evoking positive emotions.

Nature is a recurring theme in your paintings. What is it about nature that resonates so deeply with you?

Nature is a profound source of inspiration. We are all interconnected with nature, and its vast beauty and complexity continue to inspire and challenge us. The intricate organic forms, geometry found in nature have been a subject of study and admiration for centuries by artists, scientists, and mathematicians alike. Nature is a source of a unique and endless color palette. It was explored and cherished by great artistic and scientific minds like Leonardo da Vinci.

Amarylismatic (Maria Matic) | Spring Renewal

What role do layers and transparency in paint play in achieving the luminosity in your works?

I believe that the layering technique is essential in creating luminous and dynamic paintings, making them come alive. When I paint with acrylics, I utilize multiple layers to add depth, light, and a sense of movement to my work. Despite the common perception that acrylics create a plastic effect, I find that the layering technique can mimic the richness and luminosity of oil paintings, enhancing the overall visual impact of my art. I also paint in oils layer by layer.

Viewers often say they can “hear birds” or “the sound of waves” in your paintings. How do you feel about these sensory associations?

I am delighted when viewers connect with my paintings on a sensory level, hearing sounds and experiencing emotions that resonate with the artwork. It brings me joy to see people engaging with my art, sharing their life stories, emotions, and finding personal connections within the paintings. These sensory associations create a dialogue between the audience and the artwork, enriching the overall experience and giving the paintings a deeper, more meaningful purpose.

Some hear birds, waves, they see themselves in the painting, and some start to mimic flying like a bird.

When a painting evokes emotions and encourages the audience to talk about their experiences, then the painting is finished, and its purpose has been achieved.

Amarylismatic (Maria Matic) | Winter Magic

Your art radiates joy, harmony, and positivity. Is this an intentional choice, perhaps a response to today’s world challenges?

People face various problems and daily challenges throughout their lives, experiencing hurtful words and ignorance. They witness loved ones battling serious illnesses, loss of loved ones, loss of values. To cope with these challenges, people can use various techniques like meditation, yoga, etc. At exhibitions, I have had the opportunity to meet psychologists, doctors, and nurses who view the painting process as a form of relief, promoting well-being and health. I recall an old motto that advises, “Close your eyes and remember the beautiful and happy moments you have experienced.” Creating paintings that capture these joyful moments reflects the same sentiment, but with eyes wide open.