Maia Faith Hadaway

Maia (pronounced my-ee-uh), means midwife, nurse, or mother, and my parents say I was appropriately named—I’m a nurturer. I strive to cultivate spaces where everyone not only finds happiness but also a sense of belonging. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, I give voice to those who constantly feel excluded by society, media, and history, amplifying their stories to spread love and empathy far and wide. Now, as a new mother to a baby boy, my artistic journey takes on an even greater urgency–to contribute to a world where he not only feels safe and accepted but also embraces the diversity of humanity.

Growing up in a Caribbean household in the Chicagoland area, with my mom from Jamaica and dad from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, I learned the value of embracing diversity early on. Inspired by this background, I advocate strongly for second chances and against prejudice, a mindset reinforced by works like Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy and the teachings of Colossians 3:13-14.

What I find most beautiful about humanity is the balance of intricate differences and universal similarities. Despite our diverse appearances and cultural backgrounds, we share fundamental traits and emotions. Different eye colors, but we all have eyes. Different birthplaces, but we all generated a language to communicate the same things. We may be conditioned to stress our differences, but there is no doubt that we feel the same. Loss fills us with raging reds and sorrowful blues. Laughter has the power to paint our blues yellow. Love has the strength to render our harsh fiery reds into a rhythmic, beating heart.

In our most emotional moments when we let go and just feel, for the time being, nothing else in the world even matters. These moments connect us. In my artwork, I strive to unite people emotionally and spiritually by capturing the essence of our shared human experiences. Whether it's through my “Lemme Do It” Care Series which highlights the often overlooked acts of selflessness in everyday life (for which I used a jigsaw to intentionally cut out any indication of a scenic or personal ‘background’ in order to focus entirely on the moment created), or in my college series pieces such as “then He painted them laughing” and Christmas ‘97 which explore genuine human connection through the language of touch, my focus is on capturing our common humanity rather than our differences. More context may be demonstrated in the college pieces than the Care Series, but the backgrounds are nowhere near the focus as the colorful and expressive brushstrokes take the spotlight. The collection of vibrant marks (in color and application) come alive as though the spirits of the subjects are emerging through the purity of the moment.

Regardless of the depicted moment, my artwork offers viewers an opportunity to connect with the experiences of others, whether they are near or far. Through this connection, individuals may relate to or gain insight into different perspectives. My work acknowledges the unique lives and beautiful moments of every individual portrayed, even if these moments vary in appearance. By actively combating divisions and hierarchies, we can cultivate a society that is more compassionate, caring, and understanding.

Beyond the realms of work, school, and chores, it is the moments of personal enjoyment and fulfillment that truly unite us. Whether it's the way we express affection or the activities that bring us joy, these moments of connection transcend differences. Whether we engage in a French kiss or an Eskimo kiss, or find fulfillment through music vs painting, our shared emotions and experiences bind us together. In our special moments, we find unity in the shared human experience—that's what truly matters.

In the words of Colossians 3:13-14, "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." This sentiment serves as a guiding principle in both my art and my life, inspiring me to cultivate spaces of love, acceptance, and understanding in an ever-diverse world.