Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Dzulfayan.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I had many influences around me that got me interested in art, the main one being my dad. He has always been very crafty and experimental with his work and both him and my mother constantly encouraged me to do the same with my own. They always supported me in my path towards becoming an artist and I truly could not have achieved as much as I have done today without them. Throughout high school and my two years of community collage at GCC, I took art classes at Norik’s Art Studio. There, my mentor, Norik, exposed me to various different art styles and techniques which over the years, helped build my confidence in my own skill. He also shared his own life stories and experiences of being an artist which I will always cherish.
Soon after, I got accepted into Art Center College of Design which I couldn’t be happier attending. I am currently studying in the Illustration Design track and I am in my 5th term. It is truly such an amazing experience to be guided by incredibly talented and dedicated artists and to be influenced by the many great artists attending ACCD as well. Art Center definitely feels like a second home to me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I feel like a smooth road is never an interesting one. There has for sure been many bumps and curves. Starting out, I was really struggling with imposter syndrome, and although it still creeps up on me sometimes, I’ve learned my worth and I don’t let it get in my way anymore. Other than that, just making mistakes. However, I don’t see that as a struggle but more as something to learn from and maybe even get to enjoy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m always learning new ways to create art. I recently did a set of light sculptures which I am very proud of. It was a really fun way to turn my 2-D work into something that is 3-D. And although I love working in analog such as with oil paints, ink, or colored pencils, I am currently really getting into the grove of working digitally. I love to render and I made a whole series of still life based off of poisonous plants on Procreate. I also enjoy making art that is more graphical and simple. I guess it’s all based on what I’m in the mood to create. I love nature and I am always inspired by it, which is why I tend to include botanical themes into my work. I’m really in the stage of my life where I am just experimenting and having fun with whatever I’m exposed to, trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
What matters most to you?
My family. No matter what situation we’re in, we always support each other and that’s something I’ve felt my entire life.
Contact Info:
- Email: mariadzulfayan@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdz.arts/?hl=en
Image Credits:
All rights to the imaging and artworks belong to me (Maria Dzulfayan).
