Artist Statement:  

Maricela’s art work is a product of social, cultural and cultural and traditional perspectives, which interpret global ideas and concerns. Maricela’s work explores simple and influential norms, unexpected changes, love, religion, death, and political and symbolic icons.

Maricela creates multi-layered collages in challenging compositions containing brilliant and muted colored organic shapes, symbolizing life. The work has depth and visceral quality on various painted surfaces of layers. Utilizing a combination of landscape images, branded items, news articles, and the human heart, Maricela creates artwork brimming with surreal imagery and profound symbolism.

The work is powerful and influences and defines our society today.

Biographical Information:  

Maricela is a first generation American born of Mexican parents who came to America from small rural communities.  With Spanish being her first language during an unpopular cultural era, she grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, where she triumphed by learning through the arts to achieve success as an adult.

Beginning in 1987, Maricela began balancing two careers, working tirelessly as a fundraiser in the non-profit arena as an executive director, raising over $9.5 million net, while simultaneously producing work as an artist. She started her full time art career in April 2009.