Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Balderas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have a clear memory of drawing since I was three years old, from coloring books to cartoon characters to what I came up with in my head. I have been doing art my whole life, but during my senior year of high school, I struggled with my mental health. I felt alone and shut myself out from everyone and everything, the only thing I wanted to do was paint. I believed that putting my emotions into my paintings is what helped me cope with what I was dealing with. It helped my art stand out which gave me opportunities that I couldn’t imagine, like doing interviews like this and having my art displayed at museums and even having my own exhibition.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, I was born in Mexico and I am currently a DACA recipient, this has caused me to face many hardships and has impacted my mental health greatly. I struggled with searching for my value and capabilities, but I have used this as the main focal point of my art and my activism.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I began my professional career in 2016 with a collection of art that reflected my life struggles. I enjoyed adding unique perspectives to my work in order to curate pieces that are loud with creative self-expression of the world around us that portray messages of mental health, hope, growth and my personal development. I believe this is what sets me apart from others and what I am known for.
My work also includes commissions, murals, and graphic designs which allow me to be open to multiple techniques and opportunities that may come by.
I am most proud of being part of an art exhibition in Guanajuato Mexico, the place that I was born, seeing my paintings. Frida Kahlo once said that she waited years to have her own exhibition in her own country and that she wouldn’t miss it for the world, even if she was dying. I couldn’t attend mine due to my status, but this truly made me feel proud as an artist.
How do you define success?
Success to me is being able to do what I love.
Contact Info:
- Email: mariabalderas984@gmail.com
- Website: https://mariabalderas984.wixsite.com/art_de_m
- Instagram: Maria7ove
