Artist in conversation: @MAYSGRAFX

Justin Mays, known by his artistic persona @maysgrafx, is a multidisciplinary artist whose vibrant creations pulsate with the rhythm of Miami's sun-soaked streets and the kaleidoscopic energy of Los Angeles' urban landscape. Artistic Odyssey: Hailing from the artistic enclave of Annapolis, Maryland, Justin's journey began amidst a palette of colors and textures, shaped by childhood trips to Mexico's west coast. These early experiences ignited a passion for the interplay of light and movement that continues to define his eclectic style. Inspiration and Influence: Miami's vivid hues and pulsating rhythms captivated Justin's imagination, infusing his work with a dynamic vitality and a sense of unrestrained exuberance. In Los Angeles, he found new inspiration in the city's kaleidoscopic tapestry of cultures and lifestyles, channeling its boundless energy into his art. Artistic Manifesto: For Justin, art is more than a vocation—it's a way of life. In his studio, he merges traditional techniques with digital innovation, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling to create immersive experiences that transcend the canvas. Visionary Quest: Driven by a relentless pursuit of creative exploration, Justin seeks to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and inspire others to see the world through his vibrant lens. With each brushstroke and pixel, he invites viewers on a journey of discovery, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur into a vivid tapestry of color and form.

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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?

Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, my artistic journey started with childhood trips to Mexico’s west coast, where I became fascinated by the interplay of light and movement. Miami’s vivid hues and pulsating rhythms later captivated my imagination, infusing my work with a dynamic vitality. When I moved to Los Angeles, I found a new wellspring of inspiration in the city’s kaleidoscopic energy. These influences shaped my vibrant, multidisciplinary style—one that merges traditional techniques with digital innovation to create immersive, thought-provoking visual experiences.

Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?

My process begins with exploration—whether it’s experimenting with new materials, absorbing my surroundings, or diving into the energy of a cityscape. I’ve been working with fluorescent glass and AI-generated abstractions, both of which have pushed my creative boundaries. The ritual of discovery itself fuels my inspiration.

How do you hope your audience connects with your work, and what emotions or reflections do you want to evoke in them?

I want my work to be an experience—something that provokes curiosity, challenges perceptions, and invites people into a world where reality and imagination blur. Whether it’s through bold colors, surreal compositions, or unconventional materials, I hope viewers feel a sense of movement, vibrancy, and wonder—almost like stepping into a dream where anything is possible.

How has your artistic journey evolved over the years?

My art has always been in motion, just like the cities that inspire me. Early on, I was drawn to traditional techniques, but over time, I’ve integrated digital elements, fluorescent materials, and AI-generated compositions. Every new experiment, whether it’s screen printing on acrylic glass or working with immersive visuals, is another step in my creative evolution.

Can you describe your favorite piece you've created and why it's meaningful to you?

One of my favorite pieces comes from my PIXL series, where I explored how light interacts with color using fluorescent glass. It represents my constant push to merge technology with traditional artistry, capturing that electrifying interplay of movement and light that first inspired me as a child.

How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?

I welcome feedback, whether from critics or everyday viewers, because it offers fresh perspectives. At the same time, I remain true to my vision—art is about personal expression first. I take in what resonates, but I don’t let external opinions dictate my direction. Instead, they become part of the conversation that helps my work evolve.

How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?

Exploration keeps me going. When I hit a creative block, I shift gears—experimenting with a new medium, traveling, or just stepping back and absorbing the world around me. Recently, AI-generated hallucinations have opened up a new realm of possibilities for me, reinvigorating my creative process.

How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?

Exhibiting with The Holy Art Gallery is an exciting opportunity to connect with a global audience that appreciates contemporary, boundary-pushing art. Their platform aligns with my vision of merging tradition with innovation, and I’m looking forward to sharing my work in this space.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

My goal is to keep pushing the limits of what art can be—merging physical and digital worlds, experimenting with new materials, and creating immersive experiences that redefine visual storytelling. Whether through solo exhibitions, collaborations, or technological innovation, I want my work to continue evolving and challenging perspectives.What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings from those who view your artworks? 

Emotion is everything. I want my work to feel alive—to pulse with the rhythm of the cities that inspire me. Through bold colors, surreal compositions, and unconventional textures, I aim to spark a visceral reaction, whether it’s wonder, nostalgia, or a sense of movement. Art should make you feel something, and that’s what I strive for with every piece.