Art is often a reflection of the artist's soul, capturing their experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Mari, an artist whose journey began in childhood and evolved through digital mediums, offers a unique blend of personal experiences and cultural inspirations in her work. From her initial sketches to her current digital creations, Mari's art is a testament to the transformative power of creativity.
In this exclusive interview, Mari shares her artistic evolution, the muses that inspire her, and the challenges she has faced along the way. She delves into the impact of travel on her creative process, the role of Web3 in empowering artists, and the deep connections she aims to foster through her art. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of Mari, uncovering the stories and experiences that drive her creative endeavors.
Mismir ( Eduard – E ): Artists often emerge from one of two origins: some have a spark for creation that's been present since birth, while others experience a defining moment that transforms a mere interest into a deep-seated passion. Which of these paths aligns with your journey, and at what point did you recognize that 'creating' was your true calling?
Mari ( M ): I’ve been interested in art since childhood and occasionally used my drawing skills—mainly to draw portraits of my favorite musicians. I was a fan of deviantart.com, where I found a lot of my inspiration. After high school, I abandoned drawing for a while, probably because I didn’t have much time for it. A few years ago, I started drawing digitally and around the same time became interested in crypto.
E: Behind every creation, regardless of its form, lies a source of inspiration. Whether it's drawn from people, places, experiences, fleeting thoughts, or deep introspection, there's always a muse guiding the creative process. Who or what has been your most influential muse and why?
M: My inspiration mostly comes from my experiences, nature, and traveling. It’s not always evident in the pieces, as many of my artworks are portraits, but I incorporate details like tattoos, artifacts, flowers, and ornaments as clues.
E: Life's journey is interwoven with highs and lows. While we all cherish the highs, I believe that the challenges we encounter often propel us forward, serving as hidden blessings. Has there been a specific challenge that profoundly influenced your life, prompting you to rethink your perspective or approach to your art? If so, would you be comfortable sharing it with us?
M: In some ways, drawing helps me capture a snapshot of my thoughts at a particular time, so when I create a drawing, I save a little piece of myself in it. When I started drawing again, I was living a nomadic life, traveling from place to place, staying for a maximum of two months before moving again. Drawing helped me stay grounded. Now that I’ve moved to Israel and decided to stay here permanently, my art helps me adjust to a more stable and slower lifestyle.
E: I deeply value the process of self-reflection with every artist I speak with. Tracing back to the very first day you began your creative journey, whether it was through physical or digital crafting, and journeying to the present, how would you describe the evolution of your style or approach from those initial moments to now?
M: At first, I tried to draw as much as I could, participating in ‘draw it in your style’ challenges and 30-day drawing challenges. It was a learning process for me. Now, I’m more interested in choosing an idea and playing with it, seeing what I can create visually with my digital pencil. As my style evolves, I pay more attention to colors and the feelings they evoke.
E: Art, in all its forms, serves as a reflection of the artist's soul, acting as a mirror to their innermost thoughts and feelings. With this perspective in mind, how do you feel your essence, as “Mari”, is captured in your creations?
M: Each of my illustrations reminds me of myself—being dreamy, sometimes unprepared for real life, living in a fantasy world, and procrastinating a lot. These are all aspects of me, if something changes in me - my art will undergo some changes too.
E: The role of artists in the symphony of life is essential, and while some voices may not be as widely recognized, they are no less significant. With the advent of Web3, there seems to be a new horizon for artists traditionally viewed as 'smaller' voices. How do you see Web3 impacting your creative journey, and what role do you think it can play in empowering artists who have yet to find their spotlight?
M: I agree with you that Web3 empowers creators with smaller followings to be seen. The Lens community is very friendly. I’ve always been open to collaborations with other artists, which has helped me build a bigger community in web3. I’m building my artist social profile step by step using Lens and other web3 platforms.
E: Following your journey on Lens has opened windows to new worlds for me. Each post you share about the places you've visited enriches my understanding and appreciation of our planet. What role does travel play in your life, and how has it influenced your creative journey?
M: Thank you, I appreciate your kind words! Engaging in digital art during my travels provided me with a sense of stability and connection, much like a grounding force amid the constant change of new environments. It allowed me to capture and preserve moments from my journeys, like taking screenshots of my travel experiences. In turn, traveling itself enriched my creative process, offering a wealth of new inspirations and ideas. This symbiotic relationship between art and travel not only enhanced my creative expression but also deepened my appreciation of the world around me.
E: Artists have historically been at the vanguard of cultural movements, distilling complex issues into accessible forms and expressing powerful messages that resonate with the masses. What is your perspective on the role of artists in shaping our collective consciousness and everyday lives?
M: Engaging with art can be a deeply personal and transformative experience. When you see an art piece you resonate with, it can show you a different perspective on something. Creating or experiencing art can promote self-expression, mental well-being, and personal growth. Additionally, art can help build emotional connections between people.
E: Your willingness to unveil the layers of your creative journey adds a rich dimension to the final artwork, offering a glimpse into the evolution of each piece. In your view, how does sharing these behind-the-scenes insights shape the viewer's experience and connection with the work? Furthermore, how does this transparency in your process influence you as an artist and the development of your art?
M: I started sharing my creative process videos because I noticed interest among my followers. I’m happy to share my drawing timelapse process and find it quite fascinating to see a blank canvas turning into a drawing. Sharing or making timelapse videos doesn’t affect my creative process because I don’t need any additional equipment or time to record them; they are generated by the app ‘Procreate’ while I’m drawing.
E: Every artist embarks on their creative journey with a purpose and a destination in mind. What is the driving force behind your creation, and what aspirations do you hope to fulfill through your artistic endeavors?
M: My goal is to create art that has a transformative effect on people. I know that art is a very personal and subjective matter, but if I can create art that resonates with people of my generation, I’ll feel rewarded.
E: If you're creating a 1/1 piece for the Mystic's Garden Genesis Drop, could you offer us a glimpse into the narrative or concept behind this exclusive work?
M: I’ve created a 1/1 piece for the Mystic Garden Genesis drop called ‘’Flower”. For this work, I drew inspiration from two folklore traditions: Japanese and Mexican. First, Kodama, which are spirits that inhabit trees in Japanese folklore. These spirits can be benevolent or malevolent, depending on how the tree and surrounding nature are treated.
The appearance of Kodama spirits in ‘Princess Mononoke’ had such a magical effect on me that I have remembered them ever since. The second inspiration is the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition (El Día de los Muertos), where it’s believed that our ancestors continue living after death in another world. This tradition creates associations with spirituality, life after death, and the mystical side of life, filled with many unknowns and unexplained phenomena.
Combining these two folklores in one artwork was an amazing chance to show appreciation for these two unique, rich cultures that I admire.
E: Color can be deeply personal and often holds special meaning for an artist. What is your favorite color, and what significance does it hold for you?
M: My favorite color is probably purple. I like the combinations of purple and pink, and purple and green. I also like the colors of nature—green and blue!
I just want to add that I’m grateful to Definn for building Mystic Garden and grateful to you for conducting these interviews with each member of the curated drop! Your work means a lot!
E: Thank you! We are grateful to you!
As we wrap up this insightful conversation with Mari, it's evident that her art is a reflection of her life's journey, capturing moments, emotions, and cultural influences. Her ability to blend personal experiences with digital creativity creates a unique and impactful aesthetic that resonates with many.
To continue following Mari's artistic journey and explore her latest creations, be sure to connect with her on her social media platforms ( Lens, Twitter, Farcaster, Instagram ). Discover the stories behind her art, gain a deeper understanding of her inspirations, and join her community of art enthusiasts and creators.
The artistic journey doesn’t end here.
Season 2 of Storied Strokes, a collaboration between Mismir and Mystic Garden continues, bringing you closer to the most intriguing and inspiring artists from around the world. Stay up to date with our upcoming features, discover the next artist in the spotlight, and never miss a release by following us on social media ( Twitter - Lens - Instagram - Farcaster).
Thank you!
