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Maria Safaei - Artist Interview - Art Work for Sale

From the 1st of June 2009 Maria is renting an open Art Studio on 44 Bridge Street, Skibbereen.

German born Maria Safaei now lives in Skibbereen and is a hard working artist. Her journey is one that may be familiar to us, and to others an inspiration. Maria's life had reached a turning point ten years ago when she went to Greece for a break. Just as she was leaving an old man gave her a painted stone (which she now refers to as her philosophers stone) with a good wish and a small sprig of basil. Maria returned to her home in Germany and about a week later she says she became almost obsessed with collecting stones that she could turn into pieces of art. She found herself trawling along the river side looking for stones with certain shapes and textures to inspire a certain design

She felt that this was the first healing process, spending a lot of time outside in nature and finding what it had to offer her. This in turn lead her to Ireland. A place that is very special to Maria during her week stay here the weather was wet, (a familiar event) but it had made such an impression on her, that within two months she was to return , this time to live. The stones here and the beaches, for her it was just like being in heaven. She finds that Ireland is an excellent place for an artist to be, as one can easily escape too much outward distraction . She feels very contented now with her life.

Having been on this journey Maria feels that now is the time to reconnect and to show the work that has been created. Having first started with stone painting and and wire sculptural projects. She now paints and has produced an range of artwork that has a uniqueness that brightens the lives of those that view it. A few of her pictures are placed in the chapel of Myross Retreat at Leap, as Maria believes that they serve a good purpose in a place where people are in need of healing.

Maria has received regular commissions and some have been just based on a poem where someone has requested a piece of art inspired by that poem. Her family have been very supportive to her. Maria has embarked on a journey that has had a most positive result. Reconnecting with the source and ultimately being of service to many people, by giving something back through her artwork.

Finding magic again and happiness all of this has happened since that man in Greece gave her that stone and a sprig of basil. The little stone she received in Greece turned out to be a big gift to Maria, initiating a magical journey, making her believe again in divine guidance. As she found out, basil was the herb of the kings in ancient Greece and to her it represents the higher self and may have served the purpose of bringing her back in touch with the same.

Maria Safaei Artists Statement: My pictures are a visual diary to me. They tell me what I resonate with at any given time, as my inspiration comes from a source within. The pictures emerge without preconceived ideas about the outcome, following inner guidance. I am fascinated by Art as a powerful healing tool - as it connects us with the senses and the heart and will further expand my knowledge in this field.

I have been selling my work privately over the years as well as through shops, galleries and my own Sacred Stone Gallery.

I am a self taught artist . Starting off in 1997 with painting on stone, making jewellery and wire sculptures , I have expanded my work experience to glass painting, creating icons and painting on canvas. I use all kinds of media for my different types of work. My paintings are mainly done in acrylics, gold leaf, gold paint and ink.

Using different techniques, working with sponges, combs and all manner of tools. I feel like having served an apprenticeship - teaching myself - dipping into various areas of creative expression. This has helped me to develop my skills and simultaneously this has served me as a vehicle on my journey of self discovery and self realization, back to the source.

In 2007 I was commissioned to do a permanent piece in the form of a Glasspainting for St Patricks Cathedral in Skibbereen. I have completed private commissions in all my disciplines and love the challenge of tuning into the clients idea of a piece of work. I am currently seeking a place to exhibit the body of work I have created to date.

If you wish to see my work, you're welcome to visit me at my home/studio in Skibbereen just call me first on 086 - 0633970.

Title: The Chalice Medium: Acrylics, Gold + Silverleaf, marker on canvas Size: 66 x 66 cms

To view other Art work for sale by Maria Safaei go to Page two

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