Artist Highlight: Maayan Alper-Swan
Rooted in Creativity: Maayan Alper-Swan
An artist for “as long as I can remember,” Maayan Alper-Swan grew up in a family of architects. Surrounded by creativity, with a deep appreciation for aesthetics, art was always a part of her life. She was nearly always drawing, crafting elaborate performances with her siblings or assembling colorful outfits. After studying fashion design, Maayan found herself drawn back to her artistic roots, transitioning into her current work as an artist, illustrator and surface pattern designer. Now based in New York City, Maayan continues to evolve her craft as an artist, and we’re proud to feature her unique aesthetic in our newest collection.
Nature and Storytelling
Maayan finds the most inspiration in the natural world around her, often surrounding herself with flowers and art books in her studio. She reaches for these when she needs "productive procrastination"— moments to recharge and spark new ideas. Audio books also play a significant role in her creative process, as she loves the imagery evoked by certain novels. These ignite her imagination, which feeds into her artwork—as do ancient symbols, folk art, 1970s aesthetics and unexpected color combinations, all of which she savors every day.
A Process of History and Emotion
Maayan's creative process typically begins with pencil sketches, which she describes as a form of “visual brainstorming.” These initial sketches help her refine her ideas and establish the layout of a design. From there, she moves on to ink and watercolor—a medium she has been exploring since she inherited a set of vintage ink pens, nibs and drafting tools from her great-grandfather as a teenager. It was through this combination of intricate ink lines and the fluidity of watercolors that Maayan discovered her unique artistic voice.
Sparked by Dreams and Exploration
Sleep is work for Maayan, as dreams play a significant role in her creative motivation. She often wakes up inspired to give life to the designs that came to her in her sleep. Her love for travel serves as another powerful motivator—the diverse landscapes and cultures she encounters on her journeys provide endless inspiration for new artwork.
Shaped by Art Movements and Masters
For Maayan, Art Nouveau and the Vienna Secession art movements are uniquely inspiring. She is also particularly stirred by Alphonse Mucha's iconic style, as well as the expressive drawings of Egon Schiele and the vibrant watercolors of John Singer Sargent. These influences are evident in her work, which often blends the flowing, organic forms of Art Nouveau with the bold, evocative aesthetics of the 1970s.
1970s Meets Art Nouveau in a Surreal Landscape
Describing her personal design aesthetic as "1970s meets Art Nouveau, but maybe in a North African desert," Maayan’s work is characterized by a unique blend of disco vibes, mystical elements and surrealism. Her pieces often feature a mix of eyes, snakes and magical touches, creating a captivating visual experience that transports viewers to a dreamlike realm.
The Harmony of Beauty and Functionality
Maayan loves Geometry for how its products blend practicality with beauty. She reminds us that William Morris said it best: "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." For Maayan, Geometry’s offerings embody this philosophy, infusing everyday life with art and color, adding a sense of joy and creativity to the home.
A Maayan Touch for Your Home
Bring Maayan’s work into your home in her new Geometry collection, featuring her unique designs and artistic point of view. To learn more about her artistry, visit her website and follow her on Instagram at @maayanalperswan.
