Mayra Smith

I create artwork to escape my doubts and fears. As a result of this, I desire to make the unusual and unfamiliar a euphoric, thrilling experience, while holding onto the perplexities of the seemingly deviant. Furthermore, my pieces require the viewer to think, and I try to create pieces the will make the viewer think, through surreal-fantasy imagery. However, it’s up to the viewer to take the time to allow their self to overly think about the work. That’s the point. That is my artistic endeavour; to show critical thinking and empathy can co-exist. Overall I hope people do not turn to cognitive ease when faced with “unfamiliarity.”

When I create my artwork I start by thinking of familiar subject matter, and then add a deviant subject or element that contrasts it in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible. For Example, my character, Azura Soulawn, is cat like, but has scaly snake arms and her tail has three, beady, black eyes on the end. However, she is cute despite her odd features and unnatural colors. I want all my artwork to have that spark of euphoria mixed with the bizarre. Moreover, I tend to use mix media because a variety of different mediums gives me more possible elements to add contrast, so I do not try to specialize in one medium or technique.

Currently I work with a wide range of digital and traditional medium, exploring how I can touch on controversial social issues within my work in a provocatively curious manner. Consequently, I am faced with the challenge of figuring out what elements of beauty I need to give up in exchange for new ways to create impact, grit, and capture the full attention of the viewers. As a result, I can only hope my artwork can inspire some change or comfort for these so-called deviants out there that may need it.