We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Balderas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
My biggest risk was entering an art contest from the Latin American Associating and pursuing the creative fields.
When I was 17, I realized what it truly meant to be an immigrant in this country. I was finishing High School though it felt like there was no pathway for me. I felt dismissed by counselors, teachers, and Military recruiters who would say that I was too good for some options yet not fit for others. I was advised to wait, get married, or become a showgirl in Vegas. Their words and my self-doubt threw me into a deep depression and existential crisis that I held in for a while. “What is the purpose of having this as a talent” I would say to myself.
I decided to use my art as therapy and entered an art contest that challenged students to depict their immigration experience. This allowed me to get a platform and raise awareness on topics I felt passionate about. I realized that my life had a meaning and that I was understood through my work. Now, I choose to pursue the creative fields, even if that is another risk. I am choosing to do something I’m passionate for.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
My name is Maria Balderas. I am a Latina Atlanta-based artist and Activist. I have been making art since birth but began my professional art career at 17 by participating in a contest that led me to create a series called “Hope through Thorns. I started making murals, commissions, and Exhibitions through organizations I became part of through art contests.
I am now 23 years old and continue my activism through my work. I’ve stepped into as many forms of art as possible. Recently I began exploring digital art and expanding my knowledge of graphic design. I was also part of an overseas exhibition in Italy and a metaverse exhibition.
Something I want people to know about my work is the versatility I choose to have.
I love to create and expand my knowledge and craft in all art forms that can allow me to have multiple outlets and connections with a gallery, client, organization, or even my social media audience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist will always be to see your art exhibited or bought but what truly touches me is when a viewer can interpret a painting and feel strong emotions and connections with my work. For the viewer to reflect and feel seen. If it’s disagreement, sadness, or joy that an expectator feels, then that was the intended purpose and that makes me feel as if I had done what I was meant to do.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I wouldn’t say non-creatives, but some people fail to understand that creativity is something that truly makes the world more enjoyable.
It has made me a better and happier person. However choosing this does not mean that is all i can do or that i have no other skills. Just like I previously mentioned, creativity has multiple outlets. I also don’t feel the need to focus on a particular artform or limit the way I express myself.
Lastly, one of the most important things people fail to understand is the way art has healed me. Throughout most of my work I express my feelings and thoughts and this has made my journey as an artist a healing process.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
the image that shows my work being shown on screens is by MADS GALLERY / Milano Italy