I moved to Finland in February 2019, and I've lived in three different countries, with travel being a significant part of my life. I draw inspiration not only from the treasures of nature but also from human encounters. Cultural diversity is a true wealth and source of inspiration for me. I believe that people come into our lives for a particular reason, and I don't believe much in coincidences. Some stories deeply move me, so I turn them into unique works of art. I've been involved in various charitable causes for a long time, such as medical research and humanitarian efforts, because I deeply love humanity and am sensitive to their journeys and stories. This need to connect with others is heightened by my expatriate situation. I believe that the role of an artist is also to create connections and positively impact the world around us. In turn, I give my time and sensitivity to create artworks that pay tribute to individuals with unique life experiences. I like to think that the creative context I operate in is a big whole, made up of "small nothings" (simple daily joys) and touching encounters.

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During my first solo exhibition in Helsinki in 2020, I presented a series created exclusively from organic materials. I did not expect such enthusiasm. To welcome me and congratulate me on the quality of my work, someone gave me a bouquet of tulips. I took the time to look around, to pause and strangely realized that none of my paintings were made with flowers. From that moment on, I promised myself to create artworks only using dried flower petals.

 

Maria-Rosa was born that evening in my mind and in utmost secrecy. The first creations in this direction appeared a year later. I worked diligently, step by step, to develop a unique technique to naturally preserve the flowers and their characteristics. I naturally favor wooden supports (specifically Finnish birch) and European water-based products certified with an eco-responsible label.

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So, 2020 marked a new milestone in my artistic career. This name was not chosen randomly. It refers to the nickname given by my friends and collectors in Montreal, influenced by the pink streak in my hair. It is also the first name of my great-grandmother. It's a sweet and intimate tribute to my family and my elders, whom I love unconditionally.

 

Thinking about it, working with flowers is quite natural. I've always had a special connection with the floral world, perhaps because I've always found it difficult to see a bouquet wither. I've never truly accepted the idea that it could be discarded and forgotten, knowing what it represents, both for the person giving it and for the one receiving it. For many years, I had the habit of collecting and preserving all kinds of flowers in my studio: those picked during my walks and travels, those given for special occasions, and those that came to me naturally. I've always been surrounded by a multitude of petals and the memories that accompany them. I arrived in Finland with my arms and mind full of flowers. Fascinated by their beauty and colors, I'm especially sensitive to their symbolism. A bouquet is, above all, a significant moment in life: sad or joyful, it reflects precious and solemn moments. It's a powerful link between two beings, two worlds.

 

My slogan, "Memories in green art," perfectly summarizes my approach. My floral artworks are the unusual combination of artistic creation and the preservation of memories. They immortalize unique moments in a story for eternity. Each commissioned bouquet leads me into a new destiny and the secrets of its memories. Through my creations and the strong message they convey, I also invite the viewer to reflect on environmental issues and the challenges they entail.

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Maria-Rosa has continued to evolve since its inception. The enthusiasm from collectors and new partners, both in Canada and Europe, encourages me to expand the project and give it even more scope. Stay tuned...