We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariadolores Castellanos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariadolores, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was a child the only thing I wanted to do was to create. My passions were making crafts, painting and creating things.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 1989 I started to exhibit stoneware sculptures. At the time, sculptures were not considered the strongest manifestation for art in my country, but luckily my art was very well accepted. I have always painted and enjoyed very much using the “collage” technique. In 1998 I started creating sculptures with crystal resin and till today, I still work with the two techniques with much acceptance of my audience. I can´t say that I’ve had any problems with my work. My work is always what I visualized and I try to make it alive. I really don´t take much consideration on what people or the the media expect of my work, I simply go for what I want to do, and nothing else.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
My dream place is a little house in Antigua Guatemala, where I have my painting studio. Antigua is wonderful and there are so many places to visit. For starters I would recommend going to Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, specially to the SPA. It’s lovely and so relaxing! There are many different types of amazing restaurants with a variety of food menus. The hotel is full of Guatemalan history and there are so many beautiful artisan stores that make the town magical and unique. But, to be honest, I don’t go out or socialize much, unless my family visits or takes me out… I’m like a cave woman in love with my art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother, she supported me very much and encouraged me always. Also at school I had wonderful art classes. As a teenager I was blessed to had special art classes with a very recognized artist in my country.

Website: www.mariadolorescastellanos.com
Instagram: @mariadolorescastellanos

Image Credits
Jimena de Ojeda Castellanos