MARIA ISABEL RODRIGUEZ

" What we have for certain is the here and the now. "
Adapting to change has been a central theme in my life—originating in Guatemala, moving to Spain, returning to Guatemala, and ultimately building a life in Canada with my family.
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Once in Canada, after years in the fashion industry as a textile designer and model, I found myself focused on aesthetics and trends, catering to the demands and expectations of others. These experiences led me to reflect on society's prioritization of youth and beauty, prompting me to express my emotions through art. My work serves as a contemporary interpretation of the 17th-century Dutch Vanitas still-life, reminding us of life’s impermanence and heightening my awareness of my own mortality.
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Through my artwork, I strive to inspire reflection and contemplation while celebrating the richness of life and the resilience of the human spirit. I aim to evoke the essence of life—gentle yet resilient, fragile yet fierce. Guided by intuition and nostalgia, my pieces are infused with vibrant hues that echo the landscapes of my homeland, conjuring imaginary places my spirit has explored.
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Working without references, I use acrylics or oil pastels to approach each composition with fresh eyes, guided solely by the compass of my emotions that directs me to the depths of my imagination.