Artist Bio & Featured Works

Born and raised in Brazil, I moved to New Jersey in 1977. Facing the challenge of learning English as a second language and adapting to a new society and culture, I used the fearlessness of youth to my advantage. Just seventeen years old, my ever-evolving perception of life, people and relationships was profoundly impacted through this view of the Western World.

I consider my work to be a visual progression of my journey as an artist in Diaspora. In my travels abroad to Africa, Indonesia, Spain, Italy, back to Brazil and even here in the United States, I have learned to appreciate various artistic expressions. Meeting and collaborating with other artists, learning about their work habits, use of materials and their very own struggles, I have come to realize that art is nothing but truth to experience, a way of life; an account of the day's emotions. Art is real. It is sensibility. Art is a puzzle we try to put together for our own understanding.

In my observations and continuous search of self and art in life, I have come to a time and place in my own work where I can reflect upon a level of maturity. There is a connection with experience. There are vivid, reminiscent episodes of the people, places and things with which I have been in contact. In my works you can see and feel my desires and passions, my fears and indecision. Using my own personal history as a way of shaping the world around me, Thus, my goal is to never stop exploring, creating, discovering, changing, learning and evolving as I continue this profound visual journey relaying life's history through the present.

- Solange Mariel