Mexican-American artist, Mariana Gonzalez, works primarily in ink or string. Based in Chicago, Illinois, she completed her BFA in Studio Art at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas) and is currently in her third year of the Masters of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling at School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Mariana’s work is reminiscent of her cultural background and uses media to integrate culture and healing while building community and raising awareness of mental health related issues.

Artist Statement

My work centers creativity and community as tools for liberation while exploring themes of mental wellness and ethnic psychology. Through a liberatory, decolonized, and trauma informed framework, I aim to create spaces that inspire the creative and messy process of being and strengthening the mind-body connection. I use a variety of materials in my work like pencils, paint, nature, found objects, collage, colored pencils, stickers, toys, play, sand, nature, humor, languages, cultural humility, and digital media. I am on my own journey of healing and self-love while simultaneously holding space or others to do the same.

 

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