We recently had the chance to connect with Maria Moscato and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
In addition to being a designer, I’ve spent the last 30 years teaching all ages including adults.
Independent of the subject matter, I notice that my students struggle with knowing who they really are. In today’s digital world, many people get caught up with the illusion of what they see on the social media and who they pick to follow. It is already a known fact that a “digital detox” along with a return to nature gets a person back to a holistic sense of being.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a native Californian who grew up in University City, San Diego. I was a late bloomer and always stayed close to home as a young adult, attending UC San Diego followed which was followed by a local job in the city. When I returned to graduate school at San Francisco State University, I really began to explore what my ethics and beliefs are regarding the world of art and design. I worked for an ecological architect in Berkeley and decided to study traditional villages he based his models on. This led me to a year of study abroad in Italy where I researched the vernacular agricultural villages of Southern Italy- also the region where my grandparents were from.
After some sole proprietor start ups, I finally decided to create a body of work based on my home in Bologna, Italy made of selenite. This is where the coincidence of my tie to sustainable design comes in: my husband and I purchased one of the few selenite homes left in Bologna, Italy: a city whose foundation is built on this native gypsum rock.
Selenite is derived from the Greek moon goddess Selene -thus the birth of my design atelier and artist signature Mia Luna. The idea of a sustainable building material with strong metaphysical properties became the cornerstone of my design ideology today.
Selenite also has a deep connection to water – one of the most important elements for us to be aware of since we are 75% water. Water wellness entered my world of design when I was asked to join Genesis-PHTA as a faculty member and began speaking on Wellness design for water vessels. Having also obtained a building technician certificate (in Italy) I began incorporating some of my designs into the art of swimming pools, allowing a unique accent to a client’s experience in water. Small water sanctuaries are now becoming more common and creating one doesn’t have to be costly, many people are doing this on their own. Nevertheless, I offer consulting services for people who want to create a backyard sanctuary.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I believe this question has a common answer for most people. We are all born with a natural creativity that is the basis of our gift. When we start entering a society of limiting beliefs, we lose this magic. As a young girl, I felt I had to hold onto a practical professional goal that involved a structured guideline set out my third parties. In fact I started college as an Animal Physiology major inspired by my love for animals. When I started to explore the hard sciences I realized I was looking at “artworks” through the microscope. Since Art was my minor and doing crafts was a huge part of my childhood, I finally changed my degree. Creating something visual became a big part of who I learned I was.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Reflecting on the concept of “fear”, I see it as a general term for the “fear of our own individual power”. We each have a definite power that is tied to our gift we bring to the world and it has always been a struggle for me to let that shine through. It is easy to get caught up in the mechanics of the world and lose ourselves in complacency. the proverb “complacency is death” is very valid. Although the comforts of a steady job might feel safe, it can also lead to stagnation of the soul. Change can be scary but it is also very empowering. Not until reaching middle age did I realize fear was always holding me from being my authentic self and living my dreams.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Food bringing people together is perhaps one of my strongest beliefs in cultural values.
Before studying sustainable design in graduate school, I had often visited my grandparents’ family in Southern Italy and learned how food-centric Italian culture is. There is a lot of mindfulness in putting importance on the quality food in one’s daily life: growing it organically, preparing it together and sharing it with others- these are important principles in Italian life (and other traditional cultures for that matter) that have made it a country of longevity. It’s not enough to just eat healthy, sometimes prepping and eating meals alone can feel isolating. With the awareness of organic growing and cooking which continues to gain popularity in the US, especially in California, the Mediterranean food culture is always a good reference as quality time for a couple or family. In fact, in the 1990’s, when I worked for the sustainable architecture and development firm in Berkeley, California, the firm focused on homes with the kitchen as the principle room and heart center of the house. The kitchen brings the family/community together. Interestingly today there are design firms creating “Wellness Kitchens” which focuses on fresh foods and herbs that create well being in mind and body.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
One of my daily affirmations is to “be the best version of myself”. Interestingly it is among one of the Toltec spiritual beliefs cited in Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements”. (Always do your best, Be impeccable with your word, Do not make assumptions and Do not take anything personally) Nonetheless, it is a common ideology on several philosophies and religions and definitely a life changer in taking weight away from any “questioning yourself” after a long day. Praise isn’t necessary because many of our goals are reached one step at a time and doing our best every day ultimately lead to recognition of some sort. The important things is you can end your day knowing you did your best which prevents negative self talk. Even if the outcome isn’t what we expect, we just need to be true to ourselves and also realistic and in our hearts we won’t fail.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mialunadesign.com
- Instagram: @mia_luna_design
Image Credits
Amazon Photography (photo of model).
Ceramic sculpture (done by myself).
close up photo and speaking photo done by PHTA (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance
