Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Maurice.
Antonio, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Growing up, I was always a fan of cartoons and things of that nature. One of my goals is to become an animator for Cartoon Network. I remember always trying to redraw my version of my favorite ones like Pink Panther, Tom, and Jerry, dexters lab. As I got older, I started to dive deeper into drawing. I actually used to only draw with a pen, which wasn’t the best idea but it helped in the long run. I started taking my art serious in high school where I was introduced to the graphic design world, and I started to study other artists. It was just something I always knew I wanted to do in life because nothing gives me the feeling being a creator does, and I just continue to study, practice, learn and pursue my career dreams every day.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My main title is an illustrator. I create through a variety of mediums like the traditional pencil and paper; I might pick up my paint brushes from time to time and grab a canvas or I’ll hop on my iPad or computer and create graphically. I try to stay a versatile as I can because I like my ideas to take on different forms. I plan to expand to doing some big sculpture work in the near future. My inspirations can come from anywhere honestly depending on my mood. My eye kind of just catches certain moments in life or people I see and ill maybe snap a picture and use it as a reference for a piece and add different elements to really make it pop. One of my inspirations is definitely Japanese art, the detail, the composition, and color palate always amazes me. I think my work is a mixture of animation, portrait, and abstract styles. I feel like it’s simple yet complex and catches the viewers eye. One thing I hope happens every time someone sees my work is for them to ask why? I like for people to tell me what they see or what they feel when looking at a piece. I want to provoke the open conversation because it fuels my inspiration for future pieces. Getting perspective helps me progress as an artist.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I think the artist’s role is the same; however, the execution is a little different. The world is more sensitive now especially with the weight social media holds in our society so some artist may stray away from certain topics which I don’t think we should do. We should always express how we feel even if it makes people uncomfortable, sweeping the problem under the rug or avoiding the topic as a whole won’t just get rid of it. Attack the topic, Create the conversation because the more conversation being had the closer we can get to an understanding of each other’s perspectives which I think is a good thing because it could be a step toward a lot more unity in society. Me personally, it doesn’t affect my work, but I plan to do more concept pieces that addresses certain topics.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Right now people can see my work on my personal website Antoniomaurice.com which is where I will soon be selling prints, hand paintings, and other products. I am also planning my first art show for this summer so people can see my pieces in person. I also release pieces from time to time on my Instagram @ant.ai
Contact Info:
- Website: Antoniomaurice.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ant.ai
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