Natural Instinct
Interview
I would know if an idea is not worth pursuing because it’s usually followed by me losing interest and not wanting to continue. A different direction will almost immediately begin. If not then I would leave it for a while and come back to it with a fresh perspective. I learned to trust my instinct over the years.
Maria G West shares her thoughts with Patrick Morgan
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When did you first get into drawing?
I was about 9 years old when I drew a life-life portrait of an actor from the cover of a notebook. Everyone seemed to like what I did but I thought nothing much of it. Soon after, I was asked to draw portraits for families and friends.
Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?
I love portrait and figure drawing, and fashion offers a lot of opportunities to design the figure. Fashion illustration to me is expressive figure drawing and more.
What is your particular a day like as a creative?
I start the day with a cup of coffee in the garden while going through my to-do list. Being a graphic designer, illustrator and mother of two young boys, I can easily get overwhelmed so I try not to overthink things. Before starting any project, I would let the brief, branding, character, look and feel brew in my head, then an idea (thank goodness) pops up after that. I will sketch that idea loosely and start implementing it. A few adjustments happen as I go along.
I would know if an idea is not worth pursuing because it’s usually followed by me losing interest and not wanting to continue. A different direction will almost immediately begin. If not then I would leave it for a while and come back to it with a fresh perspective. I learned to trust my instinct over the years.
What tools do you use when creating your images?
I use both traditional and digital tools when painting. I spent years exploring pastel, ink and acrylic. It was only last year during the pandemic that I started painting digitally. I enjoy the freedom of being able to paint anywhere and not worrying about inks and paints spilling. However, I love them both and I see myself getting old holding a brush and a digital pen in my hand.
Who or what has influenced you over the years as an artist?
Many beautiful people, objects, spaces, and experiences have influenced me. I keep my senses open.
I would know if an idea is not worth pursuing because it’s usually followed by me losing interest and not wanting to continue. A different direction will almost immediately begin. If not then I would leave it for a while and come back to it with a fresh perspective. I learned to trust my instinct over the years.
M.G.West
What advice do you have for younger artists looking to be part of the industry?
Know your preferred subjects well. Draw them in many ways, using different methods. Listen, read, speak and write about your craft as much as you can. Find your group; you’re not alone. Learn to connect the dots in art, design, music, nature and life.
What are you drawing today? Music you are listening to? Books that you are reading?
Today, I am drawing a portrait for VogueArabia. I’ve done watercolours only in a traditional way but I’m determined to paint this commission digitally.
I love to listen to podcasts while I paint. Few of my favourites are Slightly Foxed, Stephen Fry’s 7 Deadly Sins, Monocle on Design, and Creative Conversations with Suzy Menkes.