The mask of a human face emerges cactus-like from a pot. An open hand made of corn husks — a mano poderosa — fans open, its parts held together by the resilient weave of palms. A weightless figure made from twigs, dried plants and fruits rests over a stationary bike. @maeamaria’s artworks are, as she’s described them, “altars” of objects she’s collected and lived with over long periods of time. The masks — a recurring image — often are molds of family members. Each work holds a specific memory. At times, she doesn’t even realize she is making an art piece until after the fact: The objects live “in such a space of my prayer, my meditations, that sometimes I don’t always zoom out and really see the entirety of something.”⁠ ⁠ In this conversation, artist rafa esparza speaks with Maea, a friend and collaborator, about the spiritual and deeply personal act of creating objects and the forces that lead her to make them. Link in bio.⁠ ⁠ ✍️: @elrafaesparza⁠ 📸: @gabrielslopez⁠ ⁠ Hair: @ramontgarcia⁠ Makeup: @therealcuubanita⁠ Fit: @lujodepot x @keylakeylakeyla⁠ Set: @levulose_⁠ Producer: @lapaugallery