Artist Statement:
I am a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, have been an artist my entire life. I was born into very artistic family, accomplished practitioners in both the music and plastic arts. Because of this background, I have been exposed to concert halls, art galleries, and artists since I was very young.
I have been doodling and painting since I was a little girl. Color always fascinated me—especially bright and vivid colors. I began formal art classes at a young age with an aunt who was a well-known Argentinean painter. She was the one who first taught me how to paint with oils. I remember walking into her studio and being fascinated by the colors and the smell of the oil paints. I just loved that smoothness of touch between the brush and the canvas. I looked forward to those classes every week.
I lived in Buenos Aires until I was 10. My family then moved to Missouri where I continued my study and practice of painting. We returned to Buenos Aires four years later where I resumed painting under the guidance of my aunt. In 1965 my family moved back to the states, this time to Philadelphia, where I continued taking private art classes and where I became very involved in the art program at my high school.
At 16, I won 1st prize in a junior competition for an etching I had created. After finishing high school, I moved back to Buenos Aires where I entered Art School at the Escuela de Bellas Artes Beato Angelico www.buenosaires.gov.ar/areas/educacion/escuelas/escuelas/privada/beato/index.html. I worked with many medias during my four years there, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Art Education. During that time I participated in several exhibits displaying my etchings, photographs, and oil paintings.
Much of my own artwork reflects the joy and radiance of life with images of stars, moons, the sun, and other vibrant themes in brilliant, vivid colors. The innocence, freshness, and unique quality of children’s art fascinates and inspires me. One thing I always taught my students was: “There is no right or wrong in art.” I would explain that whatever you create in your head, you can put on paper. Everyone’s work will look different because we see and absorb objects in different ways—no one’s art is wrong. You create from your heart. And that is my motto.
My dream of getting back to painting has stayed alive all these years. I was very fortunate, thanks to the support of the people in my life, to be able to retire from teaching last June. I am now, at last, doing my art full time. I decided it is never too late to follow your dream and passion.
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