Maria Geary is a Durham, NC-based mixed media and fiber artist with a passion for visual journaling. She creates bold and expressive art and her work is influenced by her spirituality, journaling practice, and social issues. She incorporates texture and found objects and encourages viewers to contemplate the feelings the art unveils.

Maria has taught Duke Arts Create workshops since 2024. Past workshops include Journal Making and Mixed Media Art Journaling. Duke Arts is proud to feature her in our “Meet the Instructor” series showcasing the amazing local artists involved with Duke Arts Create. Read the Q&A below to learn more about Maria Geary’s art practices, inspirations, and experiences with Duke Arts Create!

I am a self-taught abstract visual artist and I work in mixed media and fiber. I have written my thoughts since I was 12 years old in a journal and incorporating that into my work was a no-brainer. I prefer to work in the abstract to attempt to express my emotions, thoughts or concepts that may be otherwise difficult to express in a realistic fashion.

Is there any underlying philosophy to your art? If so, what is it?

My spiritual belief greatly influences my creations. I am a Christian and believe that I am inspired to create and that I was created to inspire.

If you have plans to learn any other art forms, what would you like to learn and why?

I think I would like to learn how to draw. I tell my students that there is nothing wrong with drawing stick people! And while I still believe this, I would like to venture into drawing faces.

What advice would you give to student artists?

I would say that you already know how to create, please learn the business of being an artist. You’re also juggling roles as a project manager, webmaster, customer service rep, content creator, and lead admin—handling finances, inventory control, and contract management. And if you’re a lead teaching artist, you’re always on the lookout for the next gig!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am an early riser, and I love spending this quiet time reading scripture and reflecting. I am fortunate to have a studio outside of my home and my studio hours are generally 9AM – 3PM. My teaching schedule dictates if I am able to spend time painting or preparing for a class or managing any of the tasks for my business. My sewing studio is at home and I try to spend at least an hour on my machine.

How long have you lived in Durham? What do you like most about Durham?

I’ve lived here for 30 years! Wow! I tell people I was born in Harrisburg, PA but grew up in Durham. It’s the people that do it for me. Being an artist was far from my career path and I have found that the change from a project manager to an artist with the art community that Durham offers has made for a wonderful transition.

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