We recently connected with Marinés Adrianza and have shared our conversation below.
Marinés, we sincerely appreciate you joining us today and agreeing to talk about some very personal topics. So, to kick things off, let’s talk about a tough one – divorce. Can you talk to us about how you overcame divorce?
Wow, what a question. Divorce was undoubtedly the most challenging period of my life and, even thogh it’s a process that still affects me and my children, as an artist, I found a way to channel those emotions into my work. Having a support system was crucial during that time; it made me acutely aware of my own strength and independence. It was like rediscovering myself in the midst of chaos.
The process forced me to take control of my own narrative and steer my life in a direction that felt authentic to me. I began to focus more on self-discovery, embarking on an introspective journey that brought me closer to my essence. I believe this inward exploration was a necessary and transformative experience, influencing not just my personal life but also seeping into my own artistic expression.
I consider myself fortunate that my divorce was amicable with my ex-partner. This allowed us to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship, which, in turn, created a stable environment for our children. The ability to navigate this challenging chapter with respect and understanding laid the foundation for a new beginning, both personally and creatively.
Art became my shelter, my inward path and a medium through which I could process and communicate my emotions and self processes. Through this turbulent period, I discovered the power of resilience, self-love, and the importance of maintaining a sense of individuality. Life’s challenges can be a catalyst for profound personal growth, and I am grateful for the lessons learned and the strength found in the aftermath of such a significant life event.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I was born in Venezuela, I grew up between the tropical jungle and the Caribbean sea. I consider myself a multidisciplinary artist. My creative journey is a fusion of my passion for macro photography, contact with nature and a deep exploration of human behavior and emotion. My studio is my laboratory, a space where I experiment with various mediums and techniques, pushing the boundaries of visual expression.
What I find most exciting about my work is the freedom I gift myself while working on a project. I recreate colors, textures, smells, figures, emotions and macro memories of my childhood and present time. I use my hands and my most introspective and vulnerable moments to express myself in the form of art, utilizing the medium that I decide to explore in the moment. I find myself in the constant look to inhabit new materials to make them part of my own creative world, to use them comfortably and with confidence as a new kind of language. My focus on the gestures and rhythmic spurts of the body during the painting process is intentional. I believe that the body communicates in an inexplicable language, and the viewer can experience and interpret this language, evoking a unique emotional response.
My art has found its way into galleries across the country. I’ve recently been featured in platforms such as the City of Los Angeles Latino Heritage Month Calendar, Create! Magazine, Juniper Rag Magazine, and Women United Art Magazine. 2024 started in full motion with two shows that will last until the end of January, two exhibitions in March, and many projects in the making. These opportunities have allowed me to share my perspective and connect with a wider audience, which is immensely fulfilling.
What else can I tell you? Well, beyond my artistic endeavors, I am also dedicated to teaching and continually expanding my sensory education. When I’m not immersed in the creative process or contemplating art, you’ll find me in the kitchen or exploring the wild with my two children in Los Angeles, CA.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I reflect on my artistic journey, I believe three qualities have played an important role in shaping my path. I think that each person has their own path and the most important to me is staying truth to yourself, keeping that never ending ride in to your own authenticity. Having said that, I can share three things that I consider key to my own path.
Confidence:
So, my journey as an artist has this cool backstory – I grew up in a house where both my parents were artists. The constant exposure to their artistic processes and expressions cultivated a sense of confidence in my own artistic endeavors. Seeing them dive into their art, face challenges, and celebrate victories planted this deep-seated confidence in me. I believe I have no fear in trying materials or new techniques thanks to that. For those beginning their artistic journey, my advice would be to seek inspiration from their own roots, be it familial influences or cultural backgrounds that connect them to their essence and takes them away from the fear of failing.
Osmosis:
Now, let’s talk about this concept of osmosis. Living and breathing art every day – it’s like I absorbed techniques, styles, and a general artistic vibe without even realizing it. It’s this organic learning process where you’re not just studying art; you’re soaking it up like a sponge to find your own ways. My suggestion is to immerse yourself in everything art-related. I recommend surrounding themselves with art in all its forms, be it visiting galleries, engaging in collaborative projects, watching documentaries, online videos or connecting with fellow artists.
Wabi-Sabi:
The influence of the wabi-sabi wisdom, with its embrace of imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty found in the transient, has been a real connection with who I am. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in the imperfect, the unfinished, and the evolving. This philosophy has allowed me to loosen my grip on preconceived notions of what art should be and has given me the freedom to explore and experiment. My advice to emerging artists is don’t be too hard on yourself, allow room for spontaneity, approach mistakes as opportunities for growth, and finding beauty in your evolving creative expression.
In a nutshell, having artist parents gave me the confidence boost I needed, osmosis made learning a natural part of my life, and the wabi-sabi philosophy taught me that perfection is overrated. Your journey is uniquely yours, so enjoy every messy, wonderful moment of it!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
For me, an ideal client is someone who not only appreciates my artwork but also forms a genuine connection with it. It goes beyond a transaction; it’s about sharing a resonance with the emotions, stories, and nuances embedded in my paintings. The ideal client is the one who looks at my work and can get lost in that world. What makes a client truly ideal is their willingness to grant me the freedom to create authentically. It’s about fostering a collaborative relationship where there’s trust and understanding.
Contact Info:
- Website: marinesadrianza.com
- Instagram: @MarinesAdrianza
Image Credits
Marinés Adrianza & Alexius BruHA