Maytê Rodrigues da Cunha

What is your background?

I’m a self-taught painter, always experimenting with different techniques and mixed media, intuitively evolving my work as I grow as a person and artist. Even though I started with oil painting and portraits, I truly found my style in acrylic abstract paintings.

What inspires you and what is your creative process?

I’m a very intense person, often drawn to a blank canvas when I experience strong emotions—both good and bad. Painting helps me make sense of my feelings and the world around me. When I get that burst of inspiration, I need to sit down and paint as soon as possible. I rarely leave a painting unfinished to return to it another day.

My process as an abstract painter is rooted in intuition and emotional expression. I don’t usually start with a clear image in mind; instead, I allow the emotions I’m experiencing at the moment to guide me. I often begin by selecting colors that resonate with my mood or energy, and from there, I let the shapes, textures, and layers develop organically.

Who are your biggest influences?

My biggest influence as an artist has always been—and will likely always be—my Godmother, Vanessa. Her journey, style, and talent inspired me to start creating art at a young age. But most importantly, she taught me that, as humans, we’re meant to create art, just as we’re meant to exercise and drink water.

Not everything we make has to be good or even shared. Creativity is a muscle that needs regular exercise like any other.