For today’s Partner Spotlight, we talked with Swedish contemporary and mixed media artist Marisol Evora about her art process and influences. Now living in the south of Spain, her daring abstractions have been shown in numerous international exhibitions and art fairs across the United States, Europe and Japan. She uses a variety of media and materials, along with colors, layers, scratches and marks to create pieces that reflect the joyful energy she brings to her art. She collaborates with Lumaprints to make her art available for purchase.
Her colorful and textured approach fits naturally into contemporary abstract art, while still feeling very much her own.
1. What media do you use for your style of art? Did you have a reason for the medium you chose?
Thank you for asking me about my art style and media. I like to play around with different techniques and materials to make something unique and visually interesting for the media that I use for my artwork. I love working with a variety of media such as acrylics, oil, pastel, chalk and various markers. I believe that each medium has its own qualities and characteristics that help me to achieve different effects and textures in my artwork. Acrylics are great for producing bold and vibrant colors, oil paints can produce a more luscious texture and depth.
I love working with mixed media because it gives me the opportunity to combine different materials and techniques to create something rather special. I like to layer my artwork with different materials, textures and colors to create a sense of depth and complexity. I’m a crazy scientist in my art studio, trying out all kinds of weird ideas to see what works and doesn’t work. I smear paint around with my fingers sometimes because why not?
My aim as an artist is to make work that is visually stimulating and emotionally appealing. I want my art to be a source of energy and color in everyday life, and to inspire others to see the world in new and exciting ways. I tend to make colorful, textured art, full of layers and scratches and marks, whether I work on canvas or paper. I love to get lost while creating art and I hope my artwork will bring joy and inspiration to those who see it.
2. Tell us about your art and your art style.
My art is a big, happy hug in visual form. It runs from abstract expressionism to modern figurative, and reflects a wide range of styles. I am a modern artist. I like to go deep with my creativity when I paint and let my imagination fly. I love experimenting with different techniques and materials, adding layers and scratches and marks to my artwork.
I use color in a bold and unapologetic way, celebrating the imperfections that make my work unique and balanced. For me, painting is a spiritual thing. It is my way of connecting with something bigger than myself, of exploring the mysteries of the universe and finding meaning in the chaos of everyday life. I believe the flaws in my art are what make it perfect, just as the flaws in our lives make us who we are. As an artist, my goal is to make art that is interesting to look at and makes people happy in their lives. I make my art to spread happiness and inspiration, to uplift people and remind them of the beauty and wonder of the world around us.
3. Who or what inspires you to create your art?
It’s a great question and one that I’m always happy to answer. For me it’s an insatiable curiosity and a love of other cultures. My life experience living in different European countries really fuels my creative fire. Now I am living in sunny Andalusia, Spain, and I feel like a kid in a candy store – the colors, the music, the sea, the people, everything is so vibrant and full of life!
But in terms of the actual style and technique of my art, I have a few artists that really light me up. First up, Frida Kahlo – her strength and fierce attitude are totally inspiring and I love how she embraced her Mexican roots in her art. Then there is Jackson Pollock – I have never seen anything like his drip paintings and I admire the way he was able to break the rules and carve out a new path for himself in the art world.
Of course there are many other artists, in the style of abstract expressionism, that inspire me as well. Helen Frankenthaler’s color and gesture are completely hypnotic; Perle Fine’s texture and form are absolutely enchanting. And then there’s Grace Hartigan – her unique color palette and brushwork makes my heart sing and I love the way she used her work to challenge the traditional role of women.
When I create my own art, I try to take all of these inspirations and put them into something that is uniquely mine. It’s like a treasure hunt, always looking for something new and exciting to add to my work. And when I’m done, I hope my art brings a little joy and inspiration to someone else’s day. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about – sharing the beauty and magic of life with other people.
I am so excited to answer your question about what inspires me to create my art and to share it with the world. First of all, I have to say I absolutely love what I do. There’s something about making something beautiful that just fills me up inside. And when I see the joy my art brings to others, it is like a little ray of sunshine in my heart.
But it’s not just about the act of creation. For me it’s about experiencing people and cultures from around the world. I’ve always been fascinated by the diversity of human experience and my art is a way for me to explore that in a really unique way. I attempt to create art that speaks to the essence of different cultures and experiences, based on the places I have lived and visited. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of Andalusia or the serene beauty of the French countryside, I want my art to take people to a different time and place. And when I put my art out into the world,
I am putting a part of myself out into the world. It’s a way for me to get out there, and to share the beauty that I see in the world around me. It’s a way to spread a little bit of joy and positivity in a world that can sometimes be overwhelming. So what is it that makes me create my art and share it with the world? It is my insatiable curiosity, my love for different cultures and my desire to connect with others. And if my art can put a smile on somebody’s face for a day, then I know I’m doing something right.
5. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that you live by?
Sure! One quote that strikes a chord with me is “Color is a reflection of the soul.” As an artist I believe that color is not only a visual experience, but also an emotional and spiritual one. Color can elicit the feelings of joy and sadness, passion and tranquility. It’s a language all its own, one that speaks to the soul. As Wassily Kandinsky once said, “The more frightened we are of a work of art, the more we can see in it.” And I think that’s a good reminder; art is not just what we see, but what we feel. It inspires me to use color to express my innermost thoughts and feelings, to create works of art that speak to the soul. When I paint, I have a deep connection with the colors I use and I try to get a harmony and balance that talks to the viewer. Ultimately, this quote is a reminder that art is a mirror of the soul and the colors we use to express ourselves are a reflection of who we truly are.
6. This month we will be celebrating Women’s History. Who is a female artist from history who has inspired your work? Tell us about her.
The female artist that has influenced me the most – Helen Frankenthaler. Her paintings, her style, the bold colors, just take my breath away. But what I love about her is that she was fearless in breaking barriers and shattering the glass ceiling of the male-dominated art world. She was a true trailblazer who set the stage for so many female artists to follow in her footsteps.
And I’ll tell you, being a woman in the art world is not always easy. But when I look at her work I feel like I can take on the world and leave my own mark. This Women’s History Month, I am feeling extra grateful for all the amazing women who have come before me and made it possible for me to pursue my passion. So cheers to Helen and to all the amazing female artists out there making history every single day! Keep creating and pushing boundaries.
7. Describe a work of art that you have created that is inspired by women’s history and what you hope it communicates.
This is a piece of art that sends a message that is very dear to me, “Say It Right, Say It ALL.” In this painting I wanted to express the importance of speaking your mind for what you believe in and expressing your true feelings without hesitating or being afraid. This message is particularly relevant to women’s history, as so many incredible women have fought for their own rights and the rights of others by speaking out and raising their voice to make a difference.
The colors and textures of the painting symbolize the complexity of expression and the struggles we all have in finding the right words to express our thoughts and feelings. But the complexity doesn’t prevent it from being a cohesive and visually interesting painting, making the point that when we speak from the heart and say what we really mean something really beautiful can come of it.
I hope when people see this painting they are inspired to find the courage to speak out for themselves and others and use their voices to make positive change in the world. We all have the power to find a new state of mind and a new way of looking at things. Together we can build a world where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
8. What are your strategies for balancing being a woman in the art world with other identities, like race or sexuality?
As an artist and a mother of seven, I have certainly had my share of challenges with balancing different identities. But for me, it’s about having a variety of experiences and using those experiences to make art that really speaks to people. Being a woman in the art world is tough enough, but then you add in other factors like race and sexuality. I think every experience I’ve had has made me a stronger and more empathetic artist.
Being a mother has taught me so much about how to understand and appreciate people’s differences and that has certainly had a powerful influence on my work. I think that art has the ability to transcend all of these different identities and be able to bring people together in a way that nothing else can. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do – I really believe that my art can help to create a more diverse, inclusive and accepting world for us all.
9. Finally, what advice would you give to young women who want to become artists?
My advice to all the young ladies out there who want to be artists, never, ever give up on your dreams. You have a unique point of view and voice that needs to be heard and seen. It’s not always easy to balance your love of art with other responsibilities, be it family, work or other identities you have. But just know your experiences and challenges can inform and inspire your art in powerful ways. Be bold and unapologetic with your creativity. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.
Look for opportunities to learn, grow and connect with other artists and mentors who can support and guide you along the way. Remember, success for an artist is not always overnight. It takes time, dedication and a lot of hard work. But everything is possible if you persist and have faith in yourself and in your art. So keep creating, keep learning, and never let anyone turn out the light on your creative spirit. The world needs your art. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will create.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What kind of an artist is Marisol Evora?
Marisol is an artist of mixed media. She enjoys working with acrylics, oils, pastels, chalk, markers, canvas and paper.
What sort of style does Marisol have?
Her work is a blend of abstract expressionism and modern figurative art. Both have a strong color and texture.
What inspires Marisol’s work?
There is a lot that travel brings. She has been inspired by different cultures, places lived and artists she admires.
What makes her work with different materials?
Marisol enjoys seeing what happens when she combines materials. It gives her more ways to work with texture, color and layers.
Can mixed media art be made into prints?
“Yes. Mixed media artwork can be professionally reproduced as high-quality art prints, allowing artists to sell reproductions while keeping the original piece.
More from Marisol Évora
One thing that is evident in Marisol’s replies is that she enjoys experimenting. She’s not worried about following one strict way of working. Sometimes it’s a place that inspires you, sometimes it’s another artist, sometimes it’s just trying something to see where it leads you.
That sense of freedom is what makes her contemporary abstract art so personal.
If you make original artwork and want to offer it as prints without giving up the original, check out Lumaprints’ Print On Demand Fulfillment services and see which option suits your work.
Learn more about Marisol and her art:
Website: marisolevora.art
Instagram: @abstract.art.by.marisol
Email: [email protected]
