Interview with Bold Journey
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful May Attar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
May, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, creativity is a continuous process that’s deeply rooted in my connection with nature, people, and the world around me. I believe that staying curious and open to new experiences is essential to keeping my creative spark alive.
In particular, I find inspiration in the following ways:
- Traveling and exploring new cultures, which broadens my perspective and exposes me to diverse artistic expressions.
- Engaging with my community in various art workshops and classes which gives me a sense of accomplishment and opens the door for exchanging experiences and ideas.
- Practicing mindfulness help me tap into my inner world and access new sources of inspiration.
- Experimenting with different mediums and techniques, which allows me to push boundaries and discover fresh ways of expressing myself.
By embracing these practices, I am able to maintain a vibrant and dynamic creative process that’s reflected in my artwork.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a California-based artist living in Irvine, I’m thrilled to share my story and artistic journey with you. Born in the beautiful city of Beirut, Lebanon, my passion for art was nurtured by my parents from a young age. My dad owned a stationary shop that sold art supplies, and I was the shop’s youngest and most loyal customer! My parents dedicated a space for me at home where I would spend endless hours drawing, coloring, and copying paintings of famous artists while listening to music. That space was my escape zone, my safety corner, and my happy little place.
After graduating with a degree in Fine Arts from the Lebanese University, my life took a dramatic turn when I was evacuated to Dubai due to the war in Lebanon. Although I struggled to create art during this time, my move to California in 2016 reignited my passion for painting. As soon as I landed in California, I felt a strong connection, an instant deep inspiration. I often find myself standing in complete awe in front of the amazing California landscape and the mysterious Pacific Ocean. The forever shining California sun brought back the artist in me again.
I’m endlessly inspired by nature, and some of my favorite places to paint are Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, and Santa Barbara. I love to spread joy with my paintings, which are colorful, bright, and uplifting. They’re highly textured palette knife oil paintings inspired by the stunning California landscape. I’m actually obsessed with using a palette knife – I love how it builds up texture, and how the texture reflects the light differently, more dramatically than a regular brush. It also creates lots of movement.
My ultimate goal is to spread hope and positivity through my art, offering comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection to my audience. I want my paintings to be a message of hope, especially during these unprecedented times, by focusing on themes of beauty and positivity. I want people to find strength and hope by looking at my paintings, knowing that there’s still beauty in life and better days are coming our way.
As a full-time professional artist since 2017, my work has been showcased in various galleries and art shows in California, including the “Grace Galleries” in Laguna Beach and the “Irvine Fine Art Center”. My biggest obsession now is finding new motifs to focus on, experimenting with new mediums, and channeling positive and optimistic feelings into my art for others to experience and enjoy. I love working on large-scale paintings, as it’s becoming one of my passions. I love how large paintings can have a significant visual impact, create a powerful presence in a space, and draw viewers into the scene, making them feel part of the artwork.
Currently, I’m preparing for my highly anticipated Solo Show, which will take place at The Grace Galleries in Laguna Beach, California, on December 7th and 8th. I’m thrilled to showcase my latest body of work, which features a stunning collection of pieces that demonstrate my unique style and artistic vision. The Solo Show will offer an opportunity for viewers to immerse themselves in my creative world, exploring the themes, emotions, and inspirations that drive my artistic practice. I’m pouring my heart and soul into creating an unforgettable experience for my audience, and I invite you to join me on this journey!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe that the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful for me were:
- Resilience: As an artist, I’ve faced numerous challenges and setbacks, from the war in Lebanon to the struggle to find my voice in a new country. But I’ve learned to be resilient, to adapt to new situations, and to keep pushing forward even when the road ahead seems uncertain. I think this quality has been essential in helping me navigate the ups and downs of my artistic journey.
For those who are early in their journey, I would advise them to develop their resilience by learning to cope with failure and rejection. Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned, and remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Authenticity: As an artist, I’ve learned that it’s essential to stay true to myself and my vision. I’ve experimented with different styles and techniques, but ultimately, I’ve found that my most successful work is the work that comes from a place of authenticity. When I’m true to myself, my art is more honest, more vulnerable, and more relatable.
For those who are early in their journey, I would advise them to focus on developing their unique voice and style. Don’t try to emulate others; instead, explore your own experiences, emotions, and perspectives. The more authentic you are, the more your art will resonate with others.
- Hard Work: I believe that hard work is essential for any artist who wants to succeed. It’s not just about talent or inspiration – it’s about putting in the time and effort to develop your skills, to learn from your mistakes, and to push yourself to new heights. I’ve spent countless hours in my studio, experimenting with different techniques, practicing my craft, and honing my skills. And it’s paid off – my hard work has allowed me to develop a unique style and voice that sets me apart from other artists.
For those who are early in their journey, I would advise them to be prepared to put in the work. Don’t expect overnight success or instant recognition. Instead, focus on developing your skills, learning from your mistakes, and pushing yourself to new heights. Remember that every great artist has put in the time and effort to develop their craft – and you can too.
So, to anyone who is looking to build a successful career in the arts, I would say that hard work is essential. Don’t be afraid to put in the time and effort to develop your skills, to learn from your mistakes, and to push yourself to new heights. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goals and make your dreams a reality.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I credit my husband, Ghassan Lababidi, as the most instrumental person in my journey. He’s been my rock and biggest supporter, encouraging my passion for art, providing constructive feedback, and offering unwavering emotional support during difficult times. With his entrepreneurial background, he’s also helped me develop essential business skills like marketing, finance, and strategy, giving me the confidence to navigate the business side of the art world. I believe having a supportive partner or community is crucial for any artist, and I feel incredibly lucky to have Ghassan by my side—I even jokingly call him my “art manager.”
