Former MCC student chases dream
Michelle Chance
“Some of my self-portraits have been very disturbing for some people, but that is fine with me.” said 21-year-old aspiring artist, Erin Maidman. “I believe good art disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed.”
Six months ago, after spending thousands of dollars on her education and exploring various unfulfilling majors at MCC and ASU, Maidman took a leap of faith and decided to pursue a career path she was truly passionate about.
“I had no interest in creating more debt for myself taking classes towards a future that would not make me happy. So I dropped out of school and began building my portfolio with hopes of finding an apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist,” Maidman said.
A portion of Maidman’s growing portfolio of vivid, illustrious paintings consists of portraits of the woman who inspires her most, Frida Kahlo.
“I’ve painted four portraits of her, and I’d like to think she may have liked these paintings.” said Maidman. “I hope that one day someone out there will love my art as much as I love hers.”
With the exception of two junior high and high school art classes, Maidman taught herself how to sketch, draw, and paint.
“About six months ago I began to put myself into art boot camp. For three months I drew three, one hour long drawings a day, and then three months ago I began painting 2-3 paintings a week.”
Maidman’s dedication to mastering her artwork is demonstrated through her rigid routine.
“I never allow myself to take a break between paintings for more than a day.” said Maidman. “If I’m to become my best, I have to be disciplined, and I have to do art every single day.
