Delve into the magical life and times of artist Maja Wrońska and her dazzling watercolour art!
Illustrator: Aakash Kumar (with inputs from Ankit)
Q. What does “Takmaj” mean?
A. Takmaj doesn’t mean anything it’s just a nickname I had to make up one day, when I was creating a profile on Digart (Polish version of Deviantart). And so the name stuck 🙂
Q. Tell us about your quirks.
A. I’m nervous, ambitious and impatient all at the same time! I’m also a fast learner who strives for perfection. I always want to create and do things to the best possibility. Oh, and I’m always surrounded by abstract thoughts!
Q. What do you enjoy the most, architecture, interior designing or painting?
A. I love designing architecture and painting with watercolors. I simply can’t choose between the two. They are equally exciting and interesting.
Q. Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist.
A. I don’t consider myself as an artist, I’m a professional architect and architecture is my bread and butter.
Q. What are your weapons?
A. I use pencils to sketch and then fill in watercolours.
Q. On an average, how much time does it take for you to finish one painting?
A. It can take anything between 1 to 10 hours. It depends on paper size, topic and my general mood.
Q. How do you maintain your calm and patience while making such tedious paintings?
A. Painting is my stress therapy. It helps me feel calmer.
Q. Tell us about the creative process behind your work. Does it involve a lot of coffee?
A. I just find a place, some photos and I paint it. I like to listen to my favourite playlist on Grooveshark when I paint. It’s a great pleasure, and I face no difficulties. Although I use coffee as a paint, I don’t actually drink it. I’m more of an Earl Grey person 🙂
Q. What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you with regard to your work?
A. I don’t know. I’d never known that people can be so nice on Internet. But one comment was particularly cool. It claimed that my work was a reminder of Leonardo da Vinci’s and other old masters’ drawings.
Q. What did you want to be when you were a kid? What would you be, if not an artist/architect?
A. My mum is an architect, she inspires me a lot. When I learnt to write and draw, the first thing I made were my business cards: MAJA WROŃSKA, ARCHITECT. As a kid, I drew princesses’ castles rather than the princesses themselves. I always knew what I wanted to do.
Q. What do you do when you’re really down?
A. I talk to my family. They can always cheer me up. And of course, I load up on chocolate!
A. I talk to my family. They can always cheer me up. And of course, I load up on chocolate!
Q. Do you ever run out of ideas? Where are your inspiration vaults?
A. No, I never do. There are so many beautiful places to paint that I can always find something new and inspiring.
A. No, I never do. There are so many beautiful places to paint that I can always find something new and inspiring.
Q. What life advice from your parents have helped you to this date? Do you have any mentors?
A. I consult my parents regarding every important decision, but I don’t have any mentors. I feel it’s important for me to think on my own and have my own opinions.
A. I consult my parents regarding every important decision, but I don’t have any mentors. I feel it’s important for me to think on my own and have my own opinions.
Q. What are you planning to do in future?
A. I want to keep on doing what I do now. My greatest dream is to have an exhibition at Guggenheim Museum in New York.
A. I want to keep on doing what I do now. My greatest dream is to have an exhibition at Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Q. What is the one advice you would give to a rookie in your profession?
A. I have no idea. Everyone should have their own idea of what their career should be like. I can’t tell anyone what they should do either. It’s an important personal decision.
A. I have no idea. Everyone should have their own idea of what their career should be like. I can’t tell anyone what they should do either. It’s an important personal decision.
Check out Maja’s other brilliant artwork here!
