By Lee Ann Leonard
Maurice Hunter has a broad definition of art. The self-proclaimed “artist of life” includes painting, writing, movement, speaking, relationships and even just living in his description. “We’re all continually participating in the creation of our experience, whether consciously or unconsciously,” Hunter explains. “What fascinates me is approaching that process with the same awareness, intentionality and craftsmanship that an accomplished painter brings to a canvas, a musician brings to a composition or a dancer brings to movement.”
The Miramar Beach resident amassed a following in Bay County thanks to his textural acrylic paintings and colorful wearable art, once offered at Save The Closet and on display at Beachy Beach Real Estate’s Panama City Beach office. His work, best known for promoting messages of self-love, often features hearts and peace signs. But the ever-evolving creator refuses to be pigeonholed. He sees painting on canvas and clothing as just one way to convey his messages.
“Rather than limiting artistry to a particular discipline, I apply it to everyday living,” Hunter shares. “I’ve been inspired by people who invited others to question conventional ways of seeing themselves and the world. Thinkers and creators like Manly P. Hall, Bruce Lee, Marianne Williamson, Bob Marley and Don Miguel Ruiz demonstrated that creativity isn’t confined to a single discipline. Through their unique forms of expression, I was inspired to expand my awareness and learn to see self and love in new ways.”
While these independent thinkers influence his pieces, Hunter is self-taught. He argues that self-discovery is a form of education or is at least education’s partner.
“Artists can learn techniques, materials, history, craftsmanship and theory from others, but no one can teach us our own way of seeing. Every artist eventually absorbs what they’ve learned and expresses it through their own experience. In that sense, every artist is ultimately self-taught. Formal education expands the toolbox. Personal experience determines what we create with it.”
Both a student and teacher of life, Hunter finds sticking to one medium limiting and is more interested in what multiple mediums make possible.
“Recently, I’ve stepped away from creating on canvas to focus more of my energy on writing and speaking about self-love (which he spells ‘Selflove’ in his writing for emphasis),” Hunter says.
Film, short-form video, television, podcasts, events, fashion and other collaborative creative projects are on his ever-expanding radar. But the creator remains grateful for the feelings and connections his paintings generate.
“The greatest recognition has been seeing people genuinely connect with the artwork—choosing to bring a piece into their home because it resonated with them in a meaningful way. Knowing something I created continues to live in someone’s everyday environment is incredibly rewarding.”
His advice to other artists hoping to stay profitable?
“Spend less time trying to convince people to buy your work and more time helping them understand why you felt compelled to create it. People often connect with the story before they connect with the object. When someone genuinely sees the value you’ve expressed, purchasing the artwork becomes a natural extension of that connection.”
Follow Hunter on Instagram (@evolfleslife) to see which lane he chooses next. Whichever one the self-examining artist picks, he’s sure to fill it with art and heart.
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