MARÍA: I grew up in a very small and rural town in the south of Chile, always hearing stories of ghosts, witches and the devil, that are part of the history of the place and the people there. Added to that, I lived in an old and spooky house, from which comes all that fantasy and terror mixed with the cartoons and toys of a girl that can coexist very well in a drawing.
Then, as a teenager, I discovered another dark part of the world: reality, injustice and cruelty, which led me to grab a spray can and start drawing in the street. Sometimes I rant against the police and other times I draw meaningless pictures. Also, not having access to finding clothes and bags that I liked made me make them myself. I asked for leftover fabric in sewing stores or I modified clothes that were given away.
Over time my style has gotten better, because I decided to dedicate my life to drawing. For the same reason, my universe of drawings is growing; as more details appear, the lines become easier and more comfortable.
What artistic mediums do you create in?
My favorite are paintings on canvas, graffiti and digital drawing. But I can create on anything, the good thing about this is that you don’t need fancy materials. A pencil and paper is enough.
Is there a message behind what you choose to draw?
Do it yourself and if you don’t know how, find a friend or someone to learn it from. And when you know it, share it. I have learned the most about drawing from my friends, they are what inspire me and they are my drive to continue doing things, doing it alone makes no sense.
Do you have a code or motto that you work by?
Pay attention to my ideas and be stubborn (perseverant). Draw what you like and don’t stop. It doesn’t matter if others don’t like it, there is no right way to do it. I am a bit obsessive about this, I am always looking for moments to draw, I really enjoy it.
How have you learned to balance time to work and time to relax?
I’m not that laid back <haha>, but I’m not that hard-working either. The good thing is that most of the time I draw for myself. It’s my outlet and what keeps me calm, which makes it not feel like work or an obligation.
Any hobbies outside of art?
I like collecting witch toys, watching movies, and attending concerts.
How have you met new people through your art?
Being from a place so far from the art world (Cunco, Chile), most of the people I’ve met are through the Internet. These friends opened the doors of their houses to me, and with it, a door to the world. That’s how I’ve been able to travel and make my art known in different places. This has led me to continue meeting people at exhibitions and art fairs. This has been an incredible life experience for a witch from a small town like me.
Where has art taken you?
It has led me to live from this and for this. I have been able to travel to other places in the world and see other ways of doing things. It is incredible to see people who do things out of passion, without looking for anything in return, such as Casa Rat Trap in Bogotá, where I had an exhibition last year, or my friends from Ricos Jugos in Guadalajara who have always believed in me.
Where do you hope art will take you?
I don’t expect anything from art, I try not to think too much about the future.
