Maurice

I am originally from Guatemala, a third world country situated in Central America. The first seven and a half years of my life, I grew up in an orphanage in Guatemala City. God’s guiding hand was to lead to my adoption by a loving American family. My life’s journey had brought me to the northeastern part of the United States, and I was raised in the town of Wyckoff, New Jersey. This was just the beginning of my incredible life’s journey which is still continuing today.

My artistic voyage began when I was in the third grade. Like most kids, I enjoyed the pleasure of coloring books, but It wasn’t anything that I was passionate about, at least not yet. That was something that was soon to come. My passion for art was to be ignited by a single event.

I remember copying a picture of the skeletal system for art class. My teacher was astounded at the image that I had produced. I had taken pleasure in my creation but at the time I couldn’t really grasp the scope of my artistic abilities with which God had gifted me. Before the end of the school day, my teacher had made a phone call to my mother and had expressed her excitement in the piece of artwork that I had created.

My mother took a look at my drawing and realized the gift with which I had been blessed. From that point on, my parents had both been very nurturing and supportive of my artistic evolution. I have had a number of wonderful art teachers and instructors. Most notably is my late mentor, Gale Bennett, who passed away in March of 2008.

Over the years I have garnered extensive training and experience in a multitude of mediums, such as painting, illustration, photography, and sculpture. Throughout my artistic career, I have won numerous awards, both locally and nationally.

I whole-heartedly believe that art is an extension of our very being and one of the greatest examples of our own individual self expressions. I also believe that fine art is something that is constantly evolving through one’s new visions. From the time of some of the well known masters such as; Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo to Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Dali, fine art has continually evolved. Like them, I hope to inspire others through my artistic skills and abilities. I hope that my artistic gift continues to evolve and grow through my own new visions.

Favorite Pastime: I like going to see movies in the theatres. I like playing golf every now and then too.

Favorite Music: Country music, Rock n Roll, and classical music.

Favorite Movie: “The Hangover”, The “Aliens” movies, “Predator”, “Transformers”, “The Dark Knight”, and “Iron Man”

Favorite Actor/Actress: ” Christian Bale, Robert Downey Jr., Jessica Biel, and Jessica Alba

Favorite television show: “Bob Ross”, “Travel Channel” , “Robot Chicken”, and “Seinfeld”

Favorite food: Delicious cold cut sandwiches, steaks, and Turkey soup.

Favorite comic book/Novel: “Superman, Batman, Cyberforce, Wolverine, and Calvin and Hobbes,

Favorite artist in the industry or in general: I am a formally trained artist and so most of my hero’s are the master painters. Rembrandt, Leonardo, Titian, Monet, Van Gogh, Seurat, Cézanne, Cassatt. These are some of today’s illustrators who’s art work I enjoy; Ken Rocafort, Joe Madureira, Jim Lee, Dwayne Turner, and Frank Frazetta.

Favorite Writer In the Industry or in general: Frank Miller, Bill Watterson, and Kurt Busiek.

What you like most about working on “The New Age”? It’s different than doing my fine art. I like working in different mediums.

Dream Project: I would like to do a project with the painter Alex Ross and maybe write a couple of scripts that would be turned into big budget movies.