ARTIST STATEMENT
I am an experienced abstract painter and printmaker. Recently I have been using acrylic, inks and watercolor on paper…and both acrylic and oils on canvas to express multi-sensory experiences. I will retain some iconography such as my favorite almond shape or loose geometric understructure from my past paintings. Most of my decisions will be driven by bodily sensations.
In my painting “Dancing“, the fluid calligraphic mark making is used to express movement, percussive or accidental marks suggesting vibrations and spontaneity. Music /sound and dance have emerged as creative sources. After cataract surgery color itself has renewed excitement for me. I am inspired by such things as a purple plum on a turquoise dish! I am currently working on an oil painting about the sensation of floating.
I hope the viewer experiences physical perceptions from my new work and a kind of spiritual appreciation of being embodied.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Maria Santiago originally hails from New York State. She taught at and received her MFA from Rochester Institute of Technology, N.Y., majoring in Painting. Former Professor Santiago taught for over 35 years at College of Visual Arts, St. Paul, MN where she coordinated the Fine Arts Printmaking area that she developed. Locally, she also taught sculpture at the University of Minnesota and St.Olaf College.
Maria has been active on Latino artist advisory panels for developing shows such as “Ultrabaroque” at Walker Art Center; “Chicano Visions” at Weisman Museum; and “Art and Migration” at Minneapolis Institute of Art. She has served Minnesota organizations such as MN State Arts Board, Forecast, MAEP and WARM and was a founding member of CreArte.
Maria is recognized for her artwork in Sculpture, Printmaking and Painting and has had numerous shows, awards and grants including the support of the National Endowment for the Arts in printmaking.
© Maria Santiago