New Light

The views and opinions expressed by the artist(s) are their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.

So many of our staff were drawn to work at an arts center because they are naturally creative people! Meet Maribel Hernandez and learn about the inspiration behind her work, Mondays.

Can you elaborate on your process for this piece? What's the story behind it?

This piece came slowly together within the span of two years of working in downtown Oklahoma City. I would find myself feeling inspired by our city’s views over countless cups of coffees, and soon I would start taking pictures of my favorite views during walks around downtown. In my piece you will find the koi fish that swim in the Myriad Gardens' ponds and the Devon Tower with holographic pieces to highlight the different moods reflected by our Oklahoma skies. I have personalized it with the the lily of the valley, which represents my birth month, and my cat Cleopatra overlooking the piece at the top left.

What does your piece mean to you?

Starting the work week can be a drag, but I began to reflect on what I look forward to on Mondays, and I found how it can be something as simple as having that first sip of coffee on a Monday morning. For me, this piece means that there is always color and inspiration around us if we are open to being present in the moment and take in the beauty that surrounds us in everyday life.

How do you use your creativity while working at Oklahoma Contemporary?

I am able to use my creativity while working at Oklahoma Contemporary by using my free time to read or sketch. I actually started my Mondays sketch while I was at work and completed most of it there. I’ve been lucky enough to take a writing and sculpting class at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Studio School where I have learned to expand my creativity through different mediums. Also, I am surrounded by amazing creatives that are always creating something different or tackling a new project. It’s hard not to be inspired or motivated by my colleagues and their personal styles and creativity.

How did you interpret the title of the show, shift, in your piece?

I feel like there are shifts around us everyday, big and small, if we pay attention to them. My focus on my piece is how each Monday can be different in its own special way. One Monday I changed my routine of going straight home after work and I took a walk around the Myriad Gardens and found inspiration for my piece in the flowers and koi fish. Another Monday I was surprised and happy to serve a glass of champagne because “why not on a Monday” for a guest at The First National.

How has your artistic practice shifted and grown through your time here at Oklahoma Contemporary?

I used to be very stagnant when it came to creating something. I would wait until it would “feel” right or when I would find the “right” piece to work on. Now my artistic practice has shifted and grown to just create whatever comes to my mind. I don’t have to create something “great” every time I choose to draw or sketch; I just have to follow the flow of my creativity and do whatever comes to my mind.

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