My name is Maria and I was born and raised in Russia by a family of technicians. My interest in the arts began at an early age, and I started to draw when I was two years old. I drew over anything within my reach, including my bed, the wallpaper and the ironing board. I never received an artistic education, as I decided to study Philosophy and Literature instead. Regardless of my studies, I continued creating on the side with various media, as I enjoy experimenting. My main media, however, have been sound and performance. I believe that practice with an inner goal illuminates you.
The first time that I went to India, it was a spontaneous choice. From the very first moments this country blew my mind. I had a strange sense of belonging here, of a ‘home feeling’ that I’ve never experienced, even in my own city in Russia. India is incredibly culturally rich since it has historically been an immigration hub until, perhaps, recently. I went there seven times altogether, and every time I felt like I was opening a treasure box. I went to different states, crossing the country by train with the burning desire to learn and observe. It changed me deeply, spiritually. In my Workshop I’m teaching how to make a Kolām, which is an ancient technique embedded in Indian spiritualism and culture. I want to teach intuitive drawing because it allows people to truly enjoy the pleasure of creating and also look inside themselves.
While I was in India I received the opportunity to go to Taiwan. I decided to move to Taiwan to challenge myself, become truly independent and to grow artistically. I found a job and became a resident. I made good friends here and have had the chance to work with artists from many different parts of the world (Japan, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Canada to name some). Taiwan is a small country, so the art community is tiny, but artists love to travel to Taiwan, and it has been nurturing for me.