artist marise maas
Marise Maas is a Melbourne-based, Dutch-born artist who explores the ordinary and everday in her works. "It blows my mind how much there is to see and so many ways of looking at the world," she says. Her paintings respond to this wonder, but she doesn't allow herself to overanalyse it. "I start a painting in an almost meditative state; this is appealing because it’s like forgetting yourself. A beautiful moment of freedom." But if you look at the details, you'll find larger stories, she adds. Influences include: Luc Tuymans, Francesco Clemente, Carol Rama, Susan Rothenberg, Noel McKenna, Richard Lewer, George Baldessin, Carlo Zinelli, Sam Doyle and Cy Twombly. She is exhibiting at the Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne until October 29.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? After studying printmaking in Hobart I travelled a lot. But it was back in the motherland, during the poor years in Amsterdam, that printmaking equipment became a hassle. So I took up painting, starting on old ceiling boards. The initial years of painting were supported by a large variety of shit jobs on the side. Kept painting and painting.
What's the best lesson you've learnt along the way? Don't just talk about it, do it.
What's your proudest career achievement? Painting full-time.
What's been your best decision? Starting a relationship with the man I'm still with 16 years later. We make a good team and have two beautiful sons.
Who inspires you? People who build houses or boats, good piano players, and people who have an idea or vision and follow it without the worry of social constraints.
What are you passionate about? Good food.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Johann Sebastian Bach or Willie Nelson.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To live long enough to see my children grow up into happy independent adults.
What are you reading? Carry Me Down by M.J. Hyland.
What are you passionate about? Good food.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Johann Sebastian Bach or Willie Nelson.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To live long enough to see my children grow up into happy independent adults.
What are you reading? Carry Me Down by M.J. Hyland.
images courtesy of marise maas and flinders lane gallery