Maya Singer ~ mother, creative, pilates guru and muse. We asked Maya about her favourite places to call home (Sydney and California), her transition to motherhood and her creative outlets... enjoy x
___
The pieces in the 'by Paloma' collection are created for the rituals and reveries of everyday life. Tell us a little about how it feels to wear the Amelia dress?
The feeling of wearing the Amelia dress reminds me of my favorite summer I ever had when I was living in California. That was the year I met my husband and was living with another female, we just so many magical parties in that house, and it was so full of adventure and doing and for the first time I realized you don't need to lust after travel or wish things were different in your life, you have everything you need to feel whole. So, nostalgic is how it feels to me!
___
Your journey so far has involved art, adventure, travel, and becoming a mum! Tell us about your transition to motherhood and how you like to balance things.
My transition into being a mum is ongoing. I know for some people it's the most natural thing in the world, for some it's love at first sight. I truly struggled, nobody gave me the blueprint for how to do this massive important thing in life. I feel sometimes like I am not ready, like I want to just give up but the more you give, the more you get. My daughter is my little soul mate, she is me, it's wild, she's a total part of my being. And it took time to realize that and grow into each other.
___
What are your creative outlets and how do you find inspiration in your day to day?
My creative outlets are probably my camera and the ocean. I'm still really learning photography but the amount you can create with something so small is very inspiring. The feeling that I get when I see the water pushes me to do something bigger in my life, even if that means just trying a little bit harder at work, or taking more time out day to day to be present. I certainly suffer creatively when I am feeling stressed, I wish I had a bit more daily inspiration at times.
___
___
I love your imagery and the way you capture these poignant moments in life that are so fleeting. Does your photography feel cathartic in that sense that it solidifies those memories?
Photography absolutely feels like I'm capturing fleeting moments in life. My mother in law is always pulling down boxes from the attic of my husband and his family back in the day, and I cannot wait to do the same thing with my own daughter. Holding the prints feels like you have them forever, even if the photos aren't that special it's still a memory I don't want to forget. It's true what they say, that it all just happens so fast, growth and life.
___
It looks like you love to travel and being with a musician I imagine would involve a lot of that. Do you have any experiences or places you've been to that felt life-changing?
Being with a musician is fun mostly.. until all the sudden they get to leave for a festival on a tropical island and you have to show up to your wednesday shift at work, haha. But truly in the beginning I was able to tag along and it was incredible. Personally though, I have been travelling solo since I was 19 and my eyes will never forget what I saw and I experienced when I was living in Hong Kong. This was probably 2014 or 2015, it was just a total trip for me to be so far and see so many colorful things.
___
What do you love most about Sydney in the summertime?
I love the beach. Forever, always, every day. We go by our place and run around pretty much every morning here, you just cannot beat the beauty of it.
___
And finally could you share with us three words that sum up your personal style?
My personal style would be a mix of the 70's (a true lover of vintage) and a bit of a french attitude. Feeling beautiful with just a little dress, my hair tied back with the least amount of effort and a little beach basket out for the day.
___
Favourite things Maya loves to do and places to go in Los Angeles, California (her current home)...
Tacos ~ Guidados
Bar ~ Capri Club, The Gold Line, Bar Stella
Bar ~ Capri Club, The Gold Line, Bar Stella
Breakfast ~ Kitchen Mouse, Sqrl, Botanica
Museums ~ LACMA, The Getty, The Broad
Gardens ~ Decanso or Huntington
Neighborhoods ~ Highland Park, Altadena, Silverlake, Mid City
Neighborhoods ~ Highland Park, Altadena, Silverlake, Mid City