My ceramics artwork has been the best language of union between me and my native culture.
Artist Statement
Brazilian born in the city of Salvador, a historic region of mysticism and diversity. The syncretism of cultures and religions from European, African and indigenous peoples have shaped my perspectives. My work evolved from fascination with African art and the influences of growing up in a sixteenth century port city. Being away for many years has flamed my desire to create an artistic archive reflecting my cultural heritage for others to appreciate.
My ceramic pieces are mostly symbolic objects in various scales, vessels, totems and tiles. While creating, I look for aesthetic relationships between my sources of inspiration. Clay has been the best medium for me to express this dynamic union. I employ labor-intensive surface treatments by using textures, organic shapes, distorted masses and blended colors. I am constantly experimenting with layers of glazes that are fired many times to create a unique palette.
Recently, I have been observing nature and feeling an intimate connection with flowers. My floral interpretations are shaped and glazed to symbolically fuse my inspirations from the garden, the ocean and my heritage. My intent is to make the viewers observe, celebrate and contemplate my artwork as the best language of union between me and my culture.
Artist Bio
As an artist born and grown up in Brazil, my sense of identity has been formed fundamentally by my relationship to my native culture. Living in this country for 22 years has embodied my creative process to come to terms with my origins and to create an artistic archive of my cultural heritage.
In Brazil, I graduated with a degree in architecture, which I feel gave me a good foundation as an artist. I then moved to the United States in 1999. At the University of Tulsa, I attained a BFA in 2006, and a MA in 2009, both in printmaking. In 2013, I obtained a MFA in ceramic arts.
For the past 9 years, I have been teaching art appreciation and Foundations 2d Design at Tulsa Community College. Currently, I have been the Fine Arts instructor at MIS one of the Tulsa Public Schools. In spring 2014, 2016 , 2018, 2020 & 2021. I taught ceramics at the University of Tulsa. Currently, I have been teaching Design 3D there. I worked as a teaching artist at the Gilcrease Museum from 2014 to 2018. I periodically teach ceramic workshops in other art institutions such as AHHA, Philbrook Museum and TU- Kravis Camp.
My artwork has been exhibited in galleries from Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, Texas, Nevada (Las Vegas), Online shows: Art of Emotions and Envision Arts 2020 and Brazil. In January 2022 I had a solo show at Tulsa Artists Coalition. I have also been the recipient of several awards.
I am very active in our local art community. You will often see me at an exhibition or at the Tulsa Arts District during a first-Friday art crawl.
Guarding All
Offering Happiness
Offering Faith
Offering Peace
Guarding the earth and flowers
Guarding the Light
Guarding the Ocean
Guarding the Heavens
Guarding the Gardens
Guarding the trees
Guarding the Sky
Offering Gold
Offering Prayers
Guarding the Earth
