Maja Ruznic, Oil Painter

Describe your art in three words.
"Honest, psychological, and expressive."

What’s your biggest art-related accomplishment?
"Landing the cover of New American Paintings last year! This accomplishment has already opened many doors for me. I do not think many people know this, but the image on the cover is an interpretive portrait of my mother, which makes the accomplishment even more meaningful. Despite the unfortunate circumstances of my childhood, my mother always made sure I had art materials — paint, brushes, paper, and books."

What do you love most about creating work here in the Bay?
"I love the diversity here. San Francisco is small enough where you don’t need a car, but large enough where you do not feel a lack of anything."

Photographed by Caro Ramirez