Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Meyer.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
After living and working in New York for 13 years as a graphic designer, I was proficient in branding (typography/packaging/visual concepting/styling), and completely burnt out, personally. In 2015, I moved to Los Angeles with my husband and two daughters and the light and downshift in the pace of living gave me space. My focus shifted primarily to fine art.
I rented a tiny studio in Glassell Park, and gave myself permission to create. I learned to weave on multiple scales, started painting, and somewhat accidentally discovered a love for collage. It all felt great and awful at the same time— very freeing, yet also very much a luxury to spend my time this way. My husband supported me through a lot of guilt for making art instead of pounding the pavement to build a client base out here. I’m sure it was partly selfish— he knew I would be MUCH easier to live with if I was being fulfilled in this way- ha!
Please tell us about your art.
The majority of my work is collage at this point. I have a large archive of vintage source material, which I use exclusively. I have always been drawn to stories, rituals and objects from the past, so I have found that working with paper that is 70, 80, 90 years old opens up many more possibilities in my compositions. The worn patina of the paper and the rich, irregular colors and stains add considerable depth.
As a graphic designer, the computer was my tool and precision was of the utmost importance. But working by hand with these delicate materials has forced me to embrace the beauty of Wabi Sabi. The paper always takes on a life of its own— tearing, wrinkling, changing colors once I apply the glue… So, I am frequently working with changing conditions. I recall a teacher in my first semester of design school reprimanded a student for using scissors for a mockup instead of a ruler and x-acto blade. It has taken me decades (!) to undo some of that learning, but I have definitely arrived at “the more imperfect, the more unexpected and interesting.” The work makes itself, in a way.
Having said that, the underlying force in all my work is balance. Despite odd shapes and color juxtapositions, I always want the viewer to feel a sense of calm.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Listen to the instinct to make art. Assume no one will ever see it or care about it, and make it for yourself.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is sold through Tappan Collective (tappancollective.com), as well as a few small upcoming shows that are locally based here in LA (Merchant Gallery in Venice and the Knox Night Market, hosted by my friends at Future Classic in their Frogtown loft space).
Contact Info:
- Website: maureenmeyerdesign.com
- Email: maureen@wallforapricots.com
- Instagram: @_apricots_
Image Credit:
Maureen Meyer
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