Interview with Maria Isabel Salazar de Lince
Born in Bogotá - Colombia. Studied Art and Architectural Design at the Javeriana University. Studied drawing and painting at Cooperartes and with masters: David Manzur, Fernando Dávila and Miguel Moyano. Her work has been exhibited in important spaces in Colombia, United States, Europe and Asia. Has received national and international recognition.
Can you share with us the story of how you initially became interested in art, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a professional artist?
Since I was very young, I liked to paint, my parents gave me colors, paints and books; I lived in a house full of trees and gardens, a very beautiful family where they prayed every day and since then I have always maintained great faith and love for my spiritual life, for reading and for art; I think that's where it all started.
Your educational background includes Art and Architectural Design as well as Psychology. How have these fields influenced your artistic style and approach to your work?
I entered the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, to major in Architectural Design, there I learned watercolor, oil painting, design, wood carving, among other disciplines; This gave me technical background that later allowed me to work on my work.
My interest in art and the sensitivity of the soul, I believe, have accompanied me since I remember it; and today, after spending decades exploring psychology and art, I can affirm that they are two things closely linked on a spiritual level.
You have had the opportunity to study with notable teachers such as David Manzur, Fernando Dávila, and Miguel Moyano. How have their mentorship and guidance impacted your artistic journey?
With David Manzur I learned a lot, it was an extraordinary experience; I was with him for several years; Then I studied with teachers Fernando Dávila and Miguel Moyano; Maestro Moyano brought me closer to the principles of color theory and the study of composition; his influence has been very enriching for my work. To this day I continue studying.
Your artwork has been exhibited in various international locations, including the Louvre Carousel in Paris and the Museum of Hispanic and Latin American Art in Florida. Could you share some memorable experiences or insights from these exhibitions?
Each exhibition constitutes a new challenge, and regardless of where the work is going to be shown, I always try to give my best in each exhibited painting.
You've won numerous awards throughout your career. Could you tell us about a particular award or recognition that holds special meaning for you and why it is significant?
The awards and recognitions are an act of generosity from the entities that grant them, and I am very grateful for that, but the work is independent of them and I always carry it out with other motivations, of a personal nature; I remember with great appreciation the lifetime achievement award from Momentos magazine.
Can you describe your creative process and the techniques you use in your artwork? Are there any specific materials or mediums that you prefer to work with?
Art is a fundamental part of my life, it reflects each era and each experience of it, and allows me to express my deepest feelings. I can affirm that who I am is reflected in each of my paintings.
I have a deep faith, and a great love for God, to whom I have offered my life and every painting that I have made.
As for the medium to carry out my paintings, I prefer oil.
Your art has been featured in several international biennales. How does participating in such events contribute to your growth as an artist and the global reach of your work?
Exhibiting the work in various places is always stimulating for the creative process, since the aim is for the work to be at the level of the event where it is shown.
Many of your exhibitions and awards have been in different countries. How do you think your Colombian background and cultural influences are reflected in your art, and how do they resonate with international audiences?
The color of the tropics has been very important in my paints and has contributed in a special way to giving an identity to my work.
I have always tried to send a message of peace to the world through my work, and over time, I have had the satisfaction of hearing various people say that my paintings convey and create that feeling to them.
The Moments for a Lifetime Award you received in 2014 is quite notable. Can you tell us more about the significance of this award and the impact it has had on your artistic career?
This award is very significant, since it constitutes a generous and selfless recognition of many years of work, and of course it implies the responsibility of continuing to work with dedication to create a serious and committed work. It is also a recognition of my lifetime work as a psychologist in my nonprofit foundation for kids called: Prometeo, and for my TV programs about family and Child education.
As you continue to live and work in Bogota, what future projects or aspirations do you have for your art, and how do you envision your artistic journey progressing in the coming years?
This coming year, exhibitions are already scheduled in Europe and the United States; I feel that the most important thing, beyond recognition and exhibitions, is to work honestly on the art to bring a message of love and peace to humanity.
