Today we’d like to introduce you to Maverick Pascal.
Hi Maverick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been an artist but my intentional journey started in 2020 when I challenged myself to create something for at least 365 days (Even if it was a sketch on a napkin) and post it for accountability. I hadn’t been actively creating for more than 12 years due to serving in the Marines, finishing college, and sort of feeling like I needed to go to art school. Imposter syndrome was my biggest giant in creating anything. I began to work on my mental health at the end of 2017 with meditation, journaling, and therapy but I didn’t realize how much my journey would tie into the art I was creating.
The daily pieces weren’t necessarily planned. I wanted to see where being consistent would take me. Music also affected the linework and the colors I saw. Some pieces are actually named after songs, so I look at my collection as one big tracklist. I wanted to practice dropping my ego while I progressed and be intentional in pouring myself into everything I made.
At the end of 2020, I had created close to 400 different pieces ranging from marker sketches, to charcoal, digital sketches, and designs but I’ve come to love working with metallic paint on black canvas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. But that’s actually what my art is about. Other than the pandemic, there were a lot of changes that caused resistance. My grandmother had just passed in 2019 and then my cousin, Marvin 2020 was an artist I looked up to as well. With the 365, I was already working on my creative process but the events that took place in that year made me lean more toward expressing what I felt rather than holding it in.
It’s been ups and downs which involve my mental health, relationships with friends and family, and financial and career moves but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Practicing gratitude in those transitions has gotten me closer to my inner child allowing more growth mentally and emotionally.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
When I began the 365-day commitment, I did not have a pandemic in my plans for 2020. There were many unfortunate stories around me. Many people losing their family members to Covid.
The slaying of Elijah McClain, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd hit home. I think the pandemic created a call to action for us to heal from foundational and present trauma.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mavp365.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavp365/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mavp365
Image Credits
Josh Huskin, Josh Huskin, and Rae Alcorta
