Meet Maria Hoyos Hannigan | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Hoyos Hannigan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Hoyos, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Absolutely in favor of taking risks! Human existence and survival on this planet are based on taking risks, because that is exactly what life is. It is not possible to live fully without trying to achieve our dreams, every decision we make, even if it has been the object of deep reflection, threatens our security, but it can also lead us towards our goals to some extent. However, the risks must be weighed and calculated, some skills must be developed, such as intuition, memory, the ability to analyze our environment and, especially, to know each other intimately. When we become aware of the beauty that it means to assume the power to change things, everything is possible! Personally, I have always had the tendency to transform my reality despite my limitations, and thanks to that I can say that I feel as if I had lived 100 years, fortunately very full!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For a better understanding of my work, the first thing I can say is that my training in painting comes from design, a profession that I studied in Venezuela in the 90s, but since I was a child, I was familiar with easels, paintings, and canvases through of my mother and grandmother. I worked a lo know the techniques, styles, etc., particularly t in the cultural environment such as art galleries and designing theatrical costumes which helped me to know the techniques, styles, etc., and particularly to polish my sense of aesthetics. I started painting pictures in 2019 at that time I felt trapped, melancholic and even though a part of me was happy, I had also lost many important things in my life, but being 100% dedicated to that activity I have been able to move forward quickly to discover which is what I like about painting without belonging to a specific artistic trend, which drives me to discover new ways or new means to express myself. I have worked on canvas, paper, mosaics, and furniture and am currently painting wooden boxes. The path of the artist, especially that of the painter, is not easy, doors do not always open for you, and rejection is a constant in this medium, so it is necessary to be very clear about why you are here, defend your proposal, enjoy what you do and believe in that, since it is the only thing that will give you the necessary constancy to have the result you expect. I have had some challenges that are still in progress such as the language, and my vision problems that have led me to several operations on my eyes and I know that the only way to overcome them is to accept them, generally the problems are worse in our minds, but once once you are there you realize that everything has a solution. Particularly my work is focused on nature because for me it is the reason for being, my religion, it is the source of everything that governs us both physically and spiritually. The female figure is my mirror and I think that of many women too. In the language of art, the most important thing is to transmit emotions, evocations, ideas, sensations, everything is valid, the important thing is those seconds of reflection on the part of the viewer… if I manage to inspire someone through my paintings I will be absolutely satisfied.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visited me, I would organize a big gathering of friends and prepare my favorite dishes (I love to cook) and talk about many topics, but if I want them to know my environment, the best plan would be to show the immense cultural diversity that Florida has. I would start the day taking a walk in one of the most representative destinations of my city: Hollywood Beach. There we would have breakfast with sea views at Ocean Alley Restaurant & and Beach Bar, I especially recommend the Eggs Benedict dish because they prepare it very well, another thing I like is the relaxing music they play in the morning, www.oceanalleyrestaurant.com . Later, we would go to the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, since I am a history lover and this place gives us the opportunity to travel 150 years ago and feel what life was like at that time. A beautiful and magically preserved house, full of treasures and works of art. (https://www.bonnethouse.org) Finally, I would close the day with dinner at Bellmont Spanish Restaurant, in Coral Gables, to taste authentic Spanish food, a good wine, and enjoy its flamenco show and good music. (https://www.bellmontrestaurant.com/events/).
I would also take them to visit the Florida Keys for at least two days, there is a lot to do, beautiful beaches, parks, picturesque towns and good places to eat. Florida has innumerable places to kayak, but my favorite place to practice this sport is Crystal River, on the west coast, which is also the Manatee capital of the world. Its crystal clear waters allow you to spot manatees, since many come to this place looking for water. warmer in the winter months, it is an unforgettable experience. Returning to Hollywood, the Yellow Green Farmers Market, you will find delicacies from everywhere to try and a variety of handmade products, www.ygfarmersmarket.com and finally, I would not fail to take them to one of the American restaurants that I visit the most with My husband’s is called Sheannigans East Side Pub and I recommend his favorite BBQ Combos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

First of all, I cannot fail to mention VoyageMia Magazine for giving me the opportunity to express my thoughts and motivations. Throughout my history there are many people from whom I have learned and those who have given me opportunities, but currently my main support is my family. My husband and my children, they have been decisive because they have given me all the support and encouragement to not give up trying to make my way in a new profession in this wonderful country.

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