I am an artist and designer whose work explores the narratives and experiences of the war refugees. I explore materiality through traditional painting and jewelry design to create art that encapsulates the power of storytelling for those who have lost livelihoods to war, to begin anew.

My work explores the genres of family, nostalgia, memory, love, and loss, inspired by the experiences of my family, who moved to the United States in refuge during the fall of their home country, South Vietnam. Together, they pass down stories of their life before and their journey leaving one country for another. These experiences are similar in the narratives of all families who share this situational trauma, as conflicts continue throughout the globe.

I incorporate technology into the process of traditional handcraft. However, I find the relationship between handcraft and materiality to be equally important to my narrative. After a model is 3D printed and cast, it continues to develop by hand with dremels and saws. I want to maintain the balance of tools, traditional or digital, throughout the result, and most importantly the process of my work. The result, like the Inro Pendant, gives a very intimate and dynamic form of art very closely entwined with the concepts of sentimental and material value and the relationship to the body.

I am fascinated by observing what drives the livelihoods of families influenced by very different situations than my own. My work is a nod to my family history, though I want to reach those whose families share the same or similar narratives. I hope my work brings those with similar experiences together while sharing those stories with those who have not been exposed to them before.

This Watercolor shows a loose Impressionist style.

My journey as an artist began in the halls of Pennsylvania State University, where I studied drawing, sculpture, and print-making between 1969 and 1972. Despite having one of my sculptures selected for the Undergraduate art exhibit in 1970-71, my artistic path would take an unexpected detour. It wasn’t until years later, after retiring from Purdue University as Professor Emeritus and volunteering as a docent at an art museum alongside my husband, that my passion for creating art was profoundly reignited. This renaissance of purpose led me to pursue further education through online courses and local art venues, allowing me to refine my technique and develop my distinctive artistic voice. My work exists at the confluence of automatic surrealism and abstract expressionism, drawing deep inspiration from the revolutionary spirit of Modernist art movements. I embrace a multidisciplinary approach, working with materials ranging from clay to ink on rice paper and acrylic on canvas. By incorporating elements of digital art into my practice, I create pieces that vibrate with dynamic tension between form and color—each work a living testament to the varied tapestry of my life experiences. The bold departure from classical traditions exhibited by European and American Modern Art movements resonates profoundly in my creative process. Their courage to abstract, to challenge, and to reimagine the very foundations of artistic expression continues to inspire my own explorations. I paint with vigor and intention, positioning myself within the rich American
tradition of Abstract Expressionism while honoring the French movement of Automatic Surrealism.

In my most authentic moments of creation, I surrender to what I can only describe as the artist spirit—a force that flows through me when my unconscious mind takes control of the materials.
This surrender is not an abdication of artistic responsibility but its purest expression. For me, creating art transcends mere activity; it is a meditation of being, a sacred dialogue between
consciousness and creation, where the boundaries between artist and artwork momentarily dissolve.

Maria Suarez, a Peruvian photographer rooted in the vibrant energy of New York City, brings forth a profound exploration of human connection and cultural heritage through her lens. Specializing in portraits and landscapes, Suarez’s work transcends mere imagery, delving deep into the intricacies of familial bonds and the rich tapestry of Peruvian identity.

Portraits, in Suarez’s vision, become more than just visual representations; they embody the intimate and timeless bond shared between parents and their children. Each frame encapsulates moments of tenderness, love, and the unspoken language of familial ties, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the universal experience of human connection.

In her landscape compositions, Suarez embarks on a journey of cultural rediscovery, weaving together the threads of Peru’s diverse heritage and majestic natural landscapes. With each photograph, she endeavors to capture the essence of Peru — a land as vast and diverse as its traditions and history. Through her lens, viewers are transported to the heart of Peru, where ancient traditions intertwine with the breathtaking beauty of the land.

Suarez’s work serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating the essence of Peru and its cultural legacy. With every click of the shutter, she invites viewers to embark on a visual odyssey, where the past meets the present, and the soul of a nation is immortalized in pixels and light.

My work has always been a process of personal emotions and storytelling. Watching my young granddaughter becoming aware of the world’s gender imbalance, lead me to creatively express my concerns. This mixed media composition, “Pawn or Queen?” reflects women’s ongoing struggle for gender equality. Pertinent newspaper, magazine & historical images are collaged forming the image of a young girl (my granddaughter) playing chess. Her next “move” is guided by those individuals current & past taking up the cause. Perhaps in time, through awareness, each generation of women will help to balance this “game” of inequality.

My work in fine arts has principally been in 2 classes of abstract paintings: oils and water-based paints. However, I have completed numerous works in drawing. I focus on color, texture, methodology of delivery, and composition. In composition, I am interested in positive space and negative space as well. I believe the painting/drawing is a manifestation of my emotional state of both conscious and unconscious feelings.

I was born and raised in NYC but mostly in The Bronx. I attended CCNY where I graduated with a BS in Mathematics and an MA in Mathematics Education. I taught high school mathematics in The Bronx. I have always been interested in the arts and started writing poems and playing guitar at age 19. I studied poetry under Professor Robert O’Clair. I studied guitar at The Guitar Workshop. I studied painting and drawing at SUNY in Purchase. I have had paintings in 8 live group shows at Jones Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri, paintings at 4 live group shows in Arbor Gallery, Carmel, NY, paintings and photos in 4 live group shows at Putnam Arts Council in Mahopac, NY. and 1 painting in a live group show at the Mahopac Public Library. Also, I have exhibited in many online shows. I have exhibited at HMVCGalleryNewYork virtually since its inception for over 2 years. A wonderful state-of-the-art gallery with outstanding artists! My poems have been published.in magazines, books, and at HVMOCA. I performed some of my poems in April 2024 at HVMOCA with numerous other artists at Writing The Walls 2024. I self-published a children’s book, ”Mr. Fine Goes to the Eye Doctor”. My principal artistic interest has been abstract painting and drawing for the last 11 years, but I have written many poems as well. I live in Putnam County, NY.

Photography for me is a bridge between reality and emotion, a way to capture and convey the fleeting moments that define our human experience. My work has become a therapeutic process, promoting my mindset and lifting me in the moment, as well as reducing anxiety. Often narrating reflections of past events or life challenges, each image is a dialogue between the subject and the viewer, inviting reflection and connection. Through my lens, I strive to capture the essence of life’s nature, creating narratives that are both timeless and evocative. My artistic practice is a continual journey of observation and discovery, driven by a passion for uncovering the extraordinary within the everyday.

I believe in animism, the understanding that every element of the world, whether living or inanimate, possesses a spirit. This belief shapes my view of life and my approach to art, where photography reveals the presence and energy flowing through all things. Light is not just a tool but the essence of this spirit, illuminating what often remains unseen. My process is slow and meditative, whether working with analog or digital mediums. Each photograph is discovered, unfolding gradually. I am drawn to abstract forms, portraits, and nature subjects that blur the line between the visible and the invisible. Black and white imagery often distills moments into their purest form, while color deepens the emotional or spiritual tone of the image.

The magic of photography continues in the darkroom or on the screen, where the image emerges as light reveals a truth that has always existed. Here, the spirit speaks—not as something distant, but as the force shaping the image and bringing forth what lies beneath the surface. Inspired by the teachings of the Buddha and the landscapes of Ansel Adams, I seek to create work that offers stillness—a pause for reflection in a turbulent world. My photographs invite viewers to sense the quiet forces that hold everything together and glimpse the harmony beyond the visible. For me, photography is like meditation, a practice of connecting to the quiet space within. Through this presence, I explore the subtle threads that connect us all, offering others a window into the Spirit that is Everything.