Artwork of the Month the temptation honorable mention artist of the Month Jan 2025
Artist Bio:
Maria Bessarabova is a multifaceted architect and artist whose creative journey seamlessly merges the precision of architectural design with the expressive freedom of art. From an early age, she explored the natural world through drawing, captivated by the geometric patterns, fluid forms, and intricate beauty found in nature. Her love of aesthetics, driven by a deep appreciation for the elegance of natural and human-made environments, became a guiding force in her creative development. As an artist, Maria uses hand-drawing as a tool to explore the hidden relationships between natural and built environments, often blurring the lines between reality and imagination. This artistic sensitivity to form, texture, and light profoundly influences her architectural practice, where aesthetics and functionality coexist in harmony. Through her designs, she continues to honour nature’s timeless beauty while crafting situations that evoke curiosity, wonder, and a sense of connection with the environment.
Artwork: The temptation.
Dimension: 25x25cm
Medium: Ink on paper ( + digitally colored)
Artist interview:
– When it comes to your art, explain what you do in 100 words
My art explores the intersection of the familiar and the unsettling, delivering aesthetically pleasing yet deeply disturbing images. Through intricate stippling and monochromatic compositions, I depict organic forms intertwined with themes of decay, mortality, and entrapment. I’m fascinated by nature’s hidden narratives—like the skeletal core of an apple or the chaotic mass of a rat king—symbols of life, consumption, and impermanence. By presenting these eerie subjects with visual precision and beauty, I invite viewers to confront discomfort, question their perceptions, and find intrigue in the macabre. My work turns the grotesque into art that both disturbs and captivates. It’s my Bazaar of Delightful Atrocities.
– What project are you working on now?
I tend to work across multiple creative projects simultaneously, as I find it both engaging and rewarding to explore different artistic avenues. Alongside producing smaller hand-drawn pieces, I have recently embarked on my first large-scale acrylic painting, drawing inspiration from the rich narratives and symbolism found in Slavic fables. Additionally, I have been dedicating time to establishing an online shop, where I plan to offer high-quality prints of my artwork to reach a broader audience and share my creative vision more widely.
– Which place in the world do you find to be the most inspiring?
For me, inspiration isn’t tied to a specific place in the world. Instead, it comes from the emotions experienced in a given moment. It’s less about the physical surroundings and more about the connections with people and the feelings those interactions evoke. The most inspiring moments often arise unexpectedly, shaped by the energy, stories, and shared experiences with others rather than a particular location.
That being said, I find nature to be one of the most profound sources of inspiration. There’s something uniquely grounding and invigorating about being immersed in natural surroundings—the quiet simplicity of a forest, the vastness of the ocean, or the ever-changing patterns of the sky. Nature evokes a sense of wonder and presence that often sparks creativity, offering a space where emotions feel more vivid and authentic. It’s not necessarily about the specific location, but rather the way nature encourages a deeper connection with the moment and the feelings it brings to life.
– What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to “trust the process.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that growth, creativity, and progress often unfold in ways we can’t fully grasp in the moment. There are times when the path feels uncertain or the results aren’t immediately visible, but staying committed, showing up consistently, and allowing things to evolve naturally can lead to outcomes beyond what we initially imagined. Trusting the process teaches patience, resilience, and the understanding that every step—even the challenging ones—has its purpose.
– Do you make a living off of your art?
Not yet, as the past decade of my life has been primarily dedicated to pursuing my career as a registered architect in the UK—a journey that required significant time, energy, and focus. However, now that I’ve reached that milestone and have more flexibility in my schedule, I’m excited to shift my attention toward my artistic practice. My goal is to explore new creative opportunities and gradually build a sustainable living from my drawings, while continuing to grow as an artist.
– How has your practice changed over time?
My practice hasn’t really changed over time. I’ve always made a conscious effort to stay true to myself and my vision of what art means to me, regardless of trends or external influences. While there are many more mainstream artistic practices that have gained wider recognition and commercial success, I’ve remained committed to creating work that feels authentic and personally meaningful. For me, art is about genuine expression, not conforming to what’s popular at the moment.
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