After a severe spinal cord injury, Maris Dzelzskalns became partially paralyzed and now is forced to use a wheelchair. The life may have shattered the man physically, thus, his inner strength is what matters. Maris has found his true happiness and accomplishment in painting. If you see flourishing poppies on canvas, thousands of blossoming poppies in red and mandarin shades, meadows of these beautiful flowers -the author of these artworks most probably is Maris Dzelzskalns.
 
When one door closes
 
Some ten years ago, Maris was as distant from painting as distant Mars is from Earth. In 1994, at the age of 21 he entered Fire Safety and Civil Protection College, later continued his studies at the Academy of the State Fire Service, where he obtained a degree in fire engineering. Ten years more, he worked at State Fire and Rescue Service. Then, the car accident followed, in which Maris seriously injured his spine.
 
He not only accepts the difficulties and the circumstances of the fate with no complains, but also converts these circumstances into possibilities. The saying “When one door closes, another door opens” defines Maris. 
 
 The troop of art admirers
 
The true abilities of a person are truly revealed in critical, most crucial situations, considers Maris. The scratch on the easel, thousands of daubs, the aroma of the paint, the adrenalin and a creative victory - this is how Maris’ artistic work can be described. He daubs quickly with passion and joy. Charming female admirers often ask whether he is single, then, he has to answer that he has a wife and three children.
 
There are practically no artworks in Dzelzkalns’ household. Some that can be seen on the walls are already sold out. Just painted, the artworks travel to their new owners. I look at Maris’ artworks and wonder, why do these are so loved among the government officials as much as among the sophisticated art critics? The artworks address young gentlemen as much as the old ladies who are keen of cat photos and crocheted blankets. Half of the artworks are sent abroad to European countries, to the United States of America, Canada, Australia etc. Maris’ artworks are also very appreciated among those Latvians who live abroad. The broad, generous, colourful daubs tell a story of an endless and passionate will of life and never ending hope that feels so known to every person without the consideration of intellect, education, and social class.
 
Well, the story of those flowers...
 
“I paint each day,” he says. Discipline, regularity and hard work are the key elements of an achievement. “If you do something each day, with time, you improve your skills in it,” says Maris explaining his success.
  People come, look at the paintings, are amazed and later purchase them. What more could one wish for?”
 
“Well, the story of those flowers...”, he thoughtfully adds. Blossoming lilac flowers spindle towards the bright sun light. Colourful field of red poppies reaches out towards the horizon, the foregrounds of the white water lilies in the blue water are so vivid that one can almost touch them. The scenes amaze. The flowers are the main actresses on Maris’ easel stage. His artworks are easy to perceive, they are unpretentious, just like a lyrical poem, with its own rhythm and repercussion. Incredibly beautiful with no imperfection, even unrighteous in comparison with the deficient background of everyday life.
 
Getting the adrenalin while painting
 
Deep in his heart of hearts Maris still is a firefighter. When in the year 2000 the explosion in the Shopping Mall “Centrs” occurred, Maris was the head of the rescue affairs, that is why, it is no wonder that he followed the rescue affairs, during the collapse of Maxima shopping center. Maris points out that the elementary norms of the fire safety still are not respected in the shopping malls, those of width of aisles between the shelves, for instance. “If something would happen, I would not be able to get out at all,” says Maris. “Those who are easier to save are the first, then, the rest. That is how it functions. Even in an airplane they always offer me the first, or the last seat near the window.” 
he is able to get it while painting. “I need the velocity, need to see the result”.
 
Maris points out that he is able to look at his artworks from aside, from a distance. “After a while, I look at the painting which I did not like and think that there is something about it, yet Maris’ artworks are not only romantic and furry. He paints in an abstract manner as well, using white and grey shades. “When a person comes, I instantly understand what kind of a painting will he purchase.  We went to a shop recently, to buy a bow tie for my son. The shop assistant looked at us, and unexpectedly said: “I have your painting at home.” That feels pleasant,” adds Maris. 
 
“True Life” (“Privātā Dzīve”) – magazine - 2015