Hi, I'm Maari!

The artist and owner behind Fightstong Studio

Art That Helps You Shine

If I can make something that makes that boosts you up to dream a little bigger, believe a little deeper, smile a little bigger... I will!

My art is about making you feel seen, free, and alive. It is meant to reminder you of the truth of who God says you are and lead you forward with grace, beauty, and courage. I believe that when you shine, the world around you starts to light up too.

I create because I believe in the transformative power of art. My relationship with God of the Bible, and especially with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, fuels what I make and why I make it: to be empowered by grace, to discover unshakeable hope, and to partner with a God who heals and inspires, and it’s what I hope to pass on to others through my work.

After facing a season of intense grief and burnout—losing my mom, my dog, and a dear friend in less than two years, amongst other major things—I needed time away from my craft. My mom was not only my biggest cheerleader but also my photography mentor. Her loss, paired with my own burnout, required a step back to heal. But after a season of rest, I’ve found new joy and purpose, and I’m excited to create once again—slowly and steadily.

Before turning to photosurrealism in 2014, I spent over a decade as a portrait and commercial photographer. My work has always been driven by adventure—exploring remote roads, wild places, capturing moments of light and life, and navigating the beauty and hardships of the world. Along the way, I’ve learned that life has a way of leaving us with “potholes”—the emotional and spiritual rough spots we tend to carry until we learn to heal them.

I believe that art, especially when partnered with God's grace, can help smooth those potholes. My pieces are designed to realign our hearts and minds, bringing hope, joy, and peace back into focus. It’s about more than just creating beautiful things—it's about helping you see yourself through the lens of grace and wholeness.

Every piece I create starts with a spark—an idea that feels like it’s been dropped into my heart. As the vision clears, the adventure begins. I sketch, scout locations, gather the props, and shoot the raw material, whether that’s in a forest, by the ocean, or high in the mountains.

Then, the images are digitally hand-stitched together in my studio in Redding, California, blending the natural elements with a sense of the divine. My process is as much about seeking beauty in the world as it is about bringing that beauty into your home.