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ARTIST'S STATEMENT — MARIA PAZOSBorn in Santa Clara, Cuba I came to the US in 1961 on what was called The Peter Pan Flights. Unaccompanied minors were brought to the US in the hopes of expediting their parent’s exit from Cuba. I was one of the lucky ones as my parents followed me within 4 months. I have always drawn and painted. As a child I made my own paper dolls and solicited input from the adults as to what they would like me to draw for them. I became very interested in illustrators like J. C. Leyendecker, Normal Rockwell. I hoped my career would follow in their footsteps. I studied at San Jose State and graduated with a BA in Graphic Design with a concentration in Illustration. A few years later, I was able to take some classes at the S. F. Academy of Art. But the illustration aspect never fully materialized. My education encompassed both fine as well as commercial art (as it was called back then). I took the path more traveled (more practical, so they said) and after a long career in graphic design, the draw of communicating on a more personal level and expressing my vision was too great, so I connected with my fine arts roots. Inauspicious beginnings included going back to basics to regain my drawing and composition skills. Funny how rusty one gets! Initially, my medium of choice was watercolor but along the way I came across alcohol inks which seduced me with their quirky flow and vibrant colors. I discovered an emotional expressiveness with the inks and have translated that to watercolors. Going back and forth between the media is a great way to keep developing interesting techniques and to continue to grow as an artist. I explore a variety of subject matter. I am fascinated by the vibrancy of the colors, and the expressiveness of the patterns and textures the inks afford.
I am thrilled to be able to show my work in Gallery 9 |
 Apples Leaves |
 Dual Pears |
 Landscape 1 |
 Landscape 2 |
 Midnight Red |
 Poplars |