Rosa Ibarra
“I make art simply because it’s what I’m called to do. It is as intrinsic to me as breathing or eating; without it I wouldn’t be whole.”
2019 MALCS Image
About
I make art simply because it’s what I’m called to do. It is as
intrinsic to me as breathing or eating; without it I wouldn’t be whole.
People
inspire me, most often assertive women who radiate strength in moments
of soft contemplation or while lost in a private thought. I find my muse
while observing them in natural poses and imagine backgrounds and
colors emerging from their expressions and their beings. Then, it all
becomes a painting in my mind.
I use oils, interweaving thick layers of paint to convey the vibration of light and to build texture and design. At times I’ll adhere elements to add relief and contrast, such as beach-washed glass or lace. Gold, copper and silver gilding also enhances the visual experience as a whole. Creating a painting is a journey of self discovery and a quest to master my craft.
Born
in Puerto Rico, I spent my childhood in Old San Juan and my teenage
years in Paris, France. After that, I’ve lived around the world since
traveling is my passion and inspiration. I received a degree of Fine
Arts from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and continued my
art education in France, painting and teaching in Paris at my father’s
studio, Atelier Arana. Alfonso Arana, was a renown Puerto Rican artist
and a recipient of the French medal of honor, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
I exhibit my work in galleries and museums in the United States and abroad. For
many years I’ve enjoyed teaching and sharing the healing benefits of
art with marginalized communities, such as recovering addicts, detained
youth in rehabilitation programs, and people with mental illness.
I would describe myself as a happy person, passionate about what I do, who enjoys new experiences and takes pleasure in the simple things in life.