BIO
Maria Napier is a Colombian-American artist who considers Charlotte, NC her home. Maria’s style can be described as a “Deconstructed Style” and it continues to evolve into her own unique way of expression by mixing different approaches to art into cohesive, colorful, and almost surreal illustrations. Maria uses art as a way to create thought-provoking pieces that can inspire people to discover other avenues of thinking, touching on topics of mental health, personal growth, and self-love. As a self-taught artist, she works primarily in acrylics, pencil/charcoal, and digital art, and experiments with mixed-media sculptures and the use of recycled materials. She has also designed and participated in the creation of several private and public murals, and she has been part of several art exhibitions, and art events in the Charlotte area, including Charlotte SHOUT! And Charlotte’s International Art Festival. Maria has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte which she uses to understand human behavior and thought processes and expresses her observations through art.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am Maria Napier, a Colombian-American self-taught artist who considers Charlotte, NC my home. My first experiences as an artist developed as a need to express and confront my inner fears from a very early age. My Style can be described as a mix of Expressionism-Realism, but I also work in creating my own style by mixing different approaches to art into cohesive, colorful, and almost ethereal illustrations in which inspiration comes from a deep state of meditation. I strive to help people think outside the pre-determined societal way of thinking. My illustrations are designed to make people feel slightly uncomfortable as a way to catch their attention to topics that they might not think about otherwise. I enjoy highlighting our own humanity and spirituality through the exploration and normalization of mental health and transforming feelings of sadness and angst into light and hope.
STORY
As a child of immigrants, it was challenging to accept and cultivate, not only my own culture but what was presented to me by the media and by my peers. I often questioned societal rules with no avenue for validation. I started using art to express those feelings in silence. As I became more aware that others might feel the same way I did, I decided to let go of my vulnerability by sharing my art. I illustrate mental health states of depression, anxiety, and overall angst. I also interpret powerful topics such as female, racial, and sexual orientation equality, domestic violence awareness, and spiritual awakening. I use colorful skulls, eyes, and abstract figures to present the viewer with other avenues of thinking that are available to us. I strive to inspire the community to realize that it’s OK to think outside convention, break the mold, and find their true selves while conserving their cultural identity.
MG Napier 