Interview with Canvas Rebel
We recently connected with May Attar and have shared our conversation below.
May, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the most significant risks I’ve taken in my life was leaving my home country, Lebanon, in 2006. I was evacuated after a massive military attack on Lebanon. I recall the treacherous 10-hour bus ride from Beirut to Syria, followed by a journey to Dubai. Although I was safe in Dubai, my heart remained in Beirut. Even 18 years later, I still grapple with the guilt of leaving behind friends, family, and everything I knew.
However, that experience prepared me for another significant risk I took in 2016, when I left Dubai with my family to start a new in California. Uprooting our lives with two young children was daunting, but it ultimately proved to be a turning point in my artistic journey. As soon as I arrived in California, I felt an inexplicable connection to the place, and my creativity was sparked. The state’s vibrant energy and stunning landscapes inspired me to push the boundaries of my art.
As an artist, I’ve come to realize that risk-taking is an inherent part of the creative process. Every day, I take risks in my work, whether it’s experimenting with new techniques, mediums, or styles, which can lead to unexpected outcomes. Sharing my art with the public, whether through exhibitions, social media, or other platforms, also makes me vulnerable to criticism and rejection. Furthermore, the financial risks associated with being an artist can be significant, from investing in supplies and studio space to renting wall space in galleries without guaranteed returns.
Despite these challenges, I believe that taking risks is essential for artistic growth and success. It forces me to step out of my comfort zone, explore new possibilities, and innovate. In the end, the risks I’ve taken have not only shaped my art but also helped me develop a sense of resilience and adaptability. As I look back on my journey, I’m reminded that the greatest rewards often lie just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is May Attar, I’m a California-based artist living in Irvine. My journey as an artist began in the vibrant city of Beirut, where I was born and raised. Growing up, my parents encouraged my passion for art, and my father’s shop, which sold art supplies, became my playground. I spent countless hours drawing, coloring, and copying paintings of famous artists, lost in my own little world of creativity.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Lebanese University in 2006, my life took a dramatic turn. The war in Lebanon forced me to evacuate to Dubai, leaving behind my family and friends without saying goodbye. The guilt and longing for home weighed heavily on me, and I struggled to find the inspiration to paint during my 10-year stay in Dubai.
However, everything changed when I moved to California with my family in 2016. The state’s breathtaking landscapes, majestic Pacific Ocean, and radiant sunshine reignited my passion for art. I find endless inspiration in nature, and some of my favorite places to paint are Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, and Santa Barbara.
As an artist, I’m driven by a desire to spread joy and positivity through my work. My paintings are vibrant, textured, and uplifting, capturing the essence of California’s stunning landscapes. I’m obsessed with using palette knives, which allow me to build up texture and create dynamic, light-reflecting effects. My art is not just about aesthetics; it’s a message of hope and comfort, especially during challenging times.
I believe that art has the power to bring people together, inspire, and uplift. My goal is to create pieces that offer a sense of connection, comfort, and inspiration, reminding viewers that there’s still beauty in life and better days ahead. Since becoming a full-time professional artist in 2017, my work has been featured in various galleries and art shows in California, including the “Grace Galleries” in Laguna Beach and the “Irvine Fine Art Center”.
Currently, I’m obsessed with exploring new motifs, crafting new series, and experimenting with different mediums. I’m also passionate about creating large-scale paintings that can have a profound visual impact and create an immersive experience for viewers. My ultimate goal is to channel positive and optimistic feelings into my art, allowing others to experience and enjoy the beauty and joy that I see in the world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to express myself in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. As a naturally shy person, I’ve always struggled to convey my thoughts and emotions through words. However, painting has given me a voice, allowing me to bring my visions to life and communicate my inner world in a unique and powerful way.
The creative process is also a deeply therapeutic one for me. Through art, I’m able to process and release emotions, which has led to personal growth and improved mental well-being. It’s a way for me to tap into my inner self, explore my thoughts and feelings, and emerge with a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.
But what’s equally rewarding is knowing that my art can have a profound impact on others. When I hear that my work has resonated with someone, evoked emotions, or inspired change, it’s a truly gratifying experience. Any positive feedback or meaningful connection with viewers fills me with a sense of happiness and contentment. It’s a reminder that my art is not just a personal expression, but also a way to connect with others and make a difference in their lives.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart. It’s a privilege to be able to share my vision with others, and I feel grateful every time I’m able to make a positive impact through my art.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Growing up in Lebanon, a country that has faced countless conflicts, including civil wars, invasions, and political instability, I’ve learned to embody the resilience that defines my people. One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced was surviving the 2006 war on Lebanon. I was evacuated, forced to leave behind my home and everything I knew, and start anew in Dubai. It was a daunting experience, but I was determined to rebuild my life.
Ten years later, I faced another major transition when I left Dubai to start a new life in California. It was a thrilling yet intimidating prospect, but I was eager to take on the challenge. Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that resilience is not just about enduring difficult situations, but also about embracing change and being willing to adapt to new circumstances.
For me, resilience is about maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity, and focusing on the potential for positive outcomes. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of new beginnings, which I compare to a blank canvas full of potential and endless possibilities. There’s something exhilarating about starting anew, shaping my own future, and creating a life that’s authentic and meaningful.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that resilience is not just a trait, but a mindset. It’s a choice to approach life’s challenges with courage, optimism, and determination. And it’s a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we always have the power to create a new beginning, to start anew, and to shape our own destiny.
