"That's exactly what keeps me alive"
Words: Tous Mag | Image Credits: © Mina Wright |
Finding inspiration from Minimalism, Cubism, Scandinavian and Memphis design, Honduras based artist - Mina Wright - uses geometric, aesthetic lines to create bold and clean compositions with deep contrasting colours. Her paintings on both canvas and textiles are energetic and playful, often experimenting with natural forms, botany, and architecture.
Staying ‘true’ to one-self seems an important message for this abstract painter, living by the mantra to always be confident with who you are and what you do. Never underestimate what it means to be you - something we can all use a little nudge to remember, now and then. Painting to find harmony in her life, Mina also uses painting to calm anxiety - especially in these difficult times - and allows her mind to run wild in her own creative serenity.
“Have you ever felt that feeling of nervousness when you start something new? That’s exactly what keeps me alive.” Mina Wright
We chat with the artist (pictured left) about the difference between painting on linen vs paper, whether painting ever becomes tiresome and how she keeps her process engaging, as well as the artist’s she most admires. Keep reading to find out how a once graffiti artist honed her skills and techniques to become the contemporary artist she is, today.
Tous Mag: How would you describe yourself?
Mina Wright: It is tough to answer, but I’ve always considered myself as a hard-working person, independent but very sensitive (especially when it comes to animals). I enjoy constantly changing. Have you ever felt that feeling of nervousness when you start something new? That’s exactly what keeps me alive.
Tous Mag: Do you think your personality is reflected in your art?
Mina Wright: I’m not sure if it exactly reflects my personality but it definitely reflects my life stage, my moods, and my constant change - especially in the compositions, techniques, colours and shapes. I’m always constantly changing.
Tous Mag: What made you first start exploring painting, and did you see it as being a long-term profession?
Mina Wright: In fact, it is a very particular story. I started doing street art, doing stencils and some graffiti murals and that helped me a lot to get into the arts. I started studying art, painting and drawing in summer classes and little by little I became experienced with different techniques. it was a journey with a lot of experimentation, hard work and a lot of fun until I found my own style. When I started my first steps as an artist, at the beginning I never looked at it as a profession or something with which I could pay my bills, you know? But, it definitely was and is something I want to keep doing forever.
Tous Mag: Do you work from your imagination or do you use visual aids/references to help?
Mina Wright: I always start by taking references from natural forms, botany, and some architecture but, in the end, I always focus on being as spontaneous as possible, trying not to think much about things. I, therefore, let myself go in a sort of flow with the help of perhaps a song, by the light that enters my studio or just tuning in to the moment. I think it's the most fascinating thing that you'll never know exactly what the end result will be.
Tous Mag: Do you ever keep paintings that you create for yourself to just enjoy, which you choose not to sell?
Mina Wright: All the time! Although, I’m generally not fully-satisfied with my own results as I always seek to perfect things but, in the end, perfection and beauty are a relative thing. When I paint I never focus on selling, I just look for harmony in my life and to calm anxiety, especially in these difficult times. I definitely feel very happy when other people give me their feedback that they perceive a sense of calm and serenity when they see my work.
Tous Mag: What is it about painting that you love so much? Does it ever feel tiresome, or does your passion keep you going?
Mina Wright: I think that as an illustrator and artist there is a big difference between painting and illustration. When I paint it seems so much more spontaneous and fun whereas when I illustrate, generally, I tend to think a lot about things. I make sketches, I can repeat a composition from scratch without making mistakes but when I paint I can make many mistakes which allows me to continue learning to know myself and, just by feeling, it makes me disconnect from everything else. In a way, painting generates in me a respect for my work and there’s part of me that is addicted to knowing new things and painting allows me to do that.
Tous Mag: We love your paintings on linen. How different is it working on paper to working on textiles?
Mina Wright: There are many differences working on paper and on textiles technically speaking, looking for the right paper for the right paint, for the right type of brushes, etc. etc. But, so far, I find it very practical to paint on paper as it doesn’t require much space and is easier to manipulate. If you make a mistake you can easily start from scratch and I’m obsessed with small paintings as they give to others the option that there is always a space for each of them.
Tous Mag: Are there any other mediums you'd like to work with that you haven't, yet?
Mina Wright: There are many, in fact, but one that’s attracted my attention is sculpture. I would like to bring my paintings or illustrations to life in the form of a sculpture, to be able to create installations in which viewers can be a part of. Also, as you can see I paint a lot of vases, so ceramics is another medium that I would also like to work with, in fact, I was in a local ceramics course in which I learned the basics so I’m keeping this in mind for my plans in the future.
Tous Mag: Do you collect art (or admire from afar) from any other artists? Could you name a few?
Mina Wright: It’s hard to choose as I admire many artists, but, my favourite is Wilmer Murillo who is an illustrator, visual artist, musician and also my life partner. We’ve worked on many collaborations and exhibitions together and he has become such a big support of my life.
Other artists that I admire a lot today are: Atelier Bingo: I’ve been fan of them for a long time, Hannah Kastl- Lungberg: We’ve been following each other for several years, Malin Gabriella: I love her work as it’s very spontaneous, Tomoya Sakai: His ceramic works inspires me a lot, and of course Henry Matisse and Hilma Af Klint. I must confess most of my favourite artists are women and I'm not complaining about it.
Tous Mag: If we asked you to give an important message to our readers, what would it be?
Mina Wright: I know it may sound cliché, but no matter what situation you are in right now, be confident with yourself and what you do, never underestimate the way you are. Also, don’t forget to be respectful with animals and nature.
