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Interview with artist Maria Grajales


Hi Maria. We would like to get to know you. Can you tell us about yourself?

I am an artist born and raised in Mexico, when I was 15 I moved to USA with my family where I pursued an artistic practice.  

When and how did you start painting?

I have been interested in drawing and painting from an early age, I got a more formal introduction to art when I entered high school, which prompt me to paint rather than only draw. 

Can you tell us about your work and, what inspires you when painting?

My work is influence by my surroundings, organic forms and a spark of imagination.  The inspiration behind of my paintings is based on the ability to recreate an idea in a loose manner or my interest in the subject of color or detail of a portrait. My drawings and  paintings tend to have a variety in detail and abstract aspects. 

Besides painting, you also sculpt. What prompted you to to sculpt?

I had the opportunity to attend the western art academy after I was part of the Art Rodeo in Houston Texas (high School years), where we were introduced to sculpture in a more formal manner. (modelling in oil clay) 

What kind of sculptures do you make? What is your theme philosophically?

 My sculptures are abstract, an spectator can find certain definite shapes within them. Nevertheless my focus is the use line and shadow to project forms from the tranparencies of my sculpture. I enjoy experimenting with texture and using wood, metal and wire in a way that appears light and ethereal rather than the heaviness associated with said materials. It is a push and pull in the way i wish to present flow an movement within the rigidity of the medium. 

Are there any other artists in your family?

As far as I know the only two other artists in my family are aunt who likes to paint, and a great grand uncle that received commissions in a variety of artistic practices. 

What do you do in your daily life apart from painting and sculpture?

My daily live compasses my day-job as well as my family and friends, and taking care of myself.Also the occasional travels to find inspiration, I love hoping on trains and going to a city nearby, discovering new places or going to museums. 

Do you have any projects that you plan to realize?

I am planning in creating a functional sculpture in the following months for an event call Furniture for good that will happen in a couple months. 


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