Meet Maye Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maye Harris.

Hi Maye, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
My name is Maye Garner Harris, and I’m an actor, writer, and artist living in Los Angeles. I was born in North Carolina but grew up in Houston, Texas. I went to an international school for 12 years while in Houston. I had the privilege of growing up around people from all different countries and cultures and had teachers who facilitated my love of the arts. I took visual art classes and participated in theater in school and at a local community theater. My parents, brother, and I are a tight-knit family who are incredibly supportive of one another, and I am forever grateful for them. My mom is an oil painter, so I grew up surrounded by art and gravitated to painting. So, I’ve been creative my whole life, and early on, I knew I wanted to pursue the arts as a career. After graduating high school, I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Something many people don’t know about me is that I struggle with chronic migraines. I was diagnosed with chronic migraines when I was 13 years old, but I remember having migraines from as early as 8 years old and not being able to verbalize the experience. Anyone who has migraines understands the battle everyday life is just to avoid or fight off a migraine attack. My life has been made up of ER visits, botox injections, IV infusions, trying multitudes of medications, and having debilitating headaches where I am unable to function. I have fought really hard to not make my pain define me or overtake my life. I’ve learned to prioritize my health by listening to my body and finding ways to manage my migraines. My condition has taught me unwavering strength as well as empathy for others with invisible pain and disabilities. I believe invisible disabilities are often misjudged but should not be diminished or underestimated. I’ve learned to speak up and express this part of myself as I have always hidden and been ashamed about my headaches, thinking I would be judged or seen as weak. I believe my health problems have given me a greater appreciation and yearning for life. I try my best to channel these struggles and other adversity I have into fueling my art. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time artist and specialize in film and painting. I started taking film acting classes at 14 years old and have been honing my craft ever since. I am proud of every project I have had the pleasure of being a part of. I love collaborating with other creatives who are equally passionate about filmmaking. I’m also an oil painter and am continuing to build up my portfolio with figurative realism in portraiture and specialized pet portraits. I think what sets me apart in acting is I partake in all facets of the art form, like writing and art, not just acting. I believe art is what gives me purpose and I try to fully immerse myself in all things creative. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Like many people, I struggle with mental health challenges on a daily basis and how to find meaning in life. I describe myself as a melancholic person, but I’ve learned to focus on the small moments of joy that happen every day. Also finding gratitude in the things in my life I am fortunate to have. My parents and brother are my best friends, and I am happiest when I am surrounded by family and our two dogs, Ellie and Charlie. Home is where I feel most content. All my hobbies bring me joy. I love animals and nature- I enjoy bird watching from my balcony for hummingbirds, going to the beach, or hiking with friends. I am also an avid reader and love to escape into a good book. Since I’m an actor, one of my favorite and happiest places has always been sitting in a movie theater watching a film. 

Pricing:

• Personalized pet portraits 8×8 $120
• Personalized pet portrait 10×10 $150
• Personalized pet portrait 9×12 $175

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mayeharris,com
• Instagram: @mayegharris

Image Credits
Kurt Boomer