EYE ON NATURE, artists explore the world of plants and animals
DM:What medium do you prefer to work in?
Maria and I met at a class at the New York Botanical Gardens. I love the bold, graphic quality of her work, and invited her to be part of this exhibit.
Donna Miskend: Do you have a favorite subject?
Maria Giuliani: Right now I am having a great time drawing birds. I also like creating posters with social content and exploring the relationship of message and image.
OYSTER, process©Maria Giuliani 2018 |
DM:What medium do you prefer to work in?
MG: I work either totally digital or mixed media. I usually sketch by hand. Once I bring my sketch into the computer, then I work with illustrator. Sometimes I use color pencils or acrylic paints over Epson prints on art paper.
Tinglar y Uva Playera
Leatherback and Sea Grape (Dermochelys coriacea and Coccoloba uvifera) Digital ©Maria Giuliani 2018 |
DM: Of the work on display in the exhibit, what piece was the most challenging and why?
MG: The leatherback turtle. I wanted to create a poster-like image and a strong sense of symmetry which restricted the composition. Incorporating elements like textures and letters can be challenging. Once you add type, legibility becomes an issue. It took me awhile to get the work Tinglar (as they are called in my native Puerto Rico) the way I wanted it.
DM: Why did you decide to embrace the discipline of botanical and natural science illustration?
MG: I started having an interest in this discipline a while back. First with photography, then with drawings and graphics. Nature is perfect, and it offers beautiful colors and playful shapes and patterns. Eventually I found a style I was comfortable with, and I wanted to create more and more.
DM: Who are the artists past or present who influence your work?
MG: Lorenzo Homar was a Puerto Rican artist and printmaker. I was always fascinated by his style and the way he incorporated images with calligraphy or lettering on his silkscreened posters. I am currently following the work of Martina Flor who is a lettering artist. I also like the work of illustrator Owen Davey.
DM: What would you like people to know about your work?
MG: I love what I do. I have lots of fun doing it. I hope that that comes across in my style and my work.
You are invited to read my thoughts and interviews with participants of the exhibit (click links):
Jennifer Deutscher Stephen Paul DeVillo more work on exhibit
BIO: Maria Giuliani, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico is a designer, artist and educator. Her work is very graphic and illustrative in nature and uses multiple mediums. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Baltimore Gallery (Detroit, Michigan) the National Arts League, the Huntington Arts Council, and the National Association of Women Artists. Her design work has been exhibited at the 13th International Poster Biennial in Mexico and the AIGA; her book designs have received awards at the New York Book Show and the AAUP.
Giuliani received an MS in Communication Design from Pratt Institute and is an Associate Professor at New York City College of Technology, CUNY. She resides in Queens, NY.
Participating artists: JuliaRuthart.com
Maria Giuliani. http://mariagiuliani.com
Donna Miskend www.donnamiskend.com and https://donnamiskend.blogspot.com