Marijose Teran

Marijose Teran’s art is an exploration of femininity. She enjoys capturing women in a moment of reflection. That theme is seen throughout her collection. Follow along as she reflects upon the big moments in her life and how she arrived where she is today.

By Shelly Stone

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica. My family is the typical, somewhat conservative, middle-class family. None of my immediate relatives were involved in art. During my upbringing, art wasn't encouraged or discouraged.

When did you know that you would pursue art as a career and not just a passion?

I always knew art was something I enjoyed and had a passion for, but it wasn’t until graduating from high school that the possibility of having a career in art came into my mind.

Who is the artist that inspires you most?

Julio Vaquero, a Spanish artist from Barcelona, is one of my favorites, and Claudio Bravo. During my university years, Leonardo Da Vinci's sketches were my inspiration. Nowadays, there are several artists, most figurative artists, but some abstract artists.

Do you schedule a specific time to create art, or do you begin when inspiration hits you?

I schedule my time. Inspiration comes easier when you are working.

What work do you most enjoy doing?

Sketching is my favorite thing to do.

(Marijose Terán Guardia. Reino Felicidad. 2016. Acrylic over Canvas, Braced in Wood. 24.40 in. x 20.47 in.)

What themes do you pursue? What do you want your art to say?

I like portraying women in a casual manner, almost like catching them in an instant of reflection. I want to give a glimpse of women from a woman's perspective and reflect on the times we live.

What's your favorite piece that you created?

I don't have one favorite piece. Usually, I fall in love with the one I'm working on. But there are some that I get the chance to see after some time of not seeing them.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Tourist guide and painting teacher.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

Two times, someone has been moved to tears by my work. Other times, people need to touch my paintings to find out how they are done.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in everyday moments and feelings from my own experiences.

What is your dream project?

I can't say I have a dream project right now, but I'm always looking for new challenges. So probably, my life project could always be challenging myself and painting until the end of my life.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

Always strive to do my best and not to conform with less.

If you could go back in time to tell your younger self anything you learned along the way, what would it be?

Dare to break the rules a bit more; it won't be the end of the world.

Have you ever said 'no' to an opportunity? How did you decide to say no?

In life, choices have to be made daily. Some opportunities are honing to be left behind. But I have never said no to a project because I thought it was too difficult for me. I love challenges.

How would you describe your brand?

I don't think of my work as a brand. I think it's more like evolving experimentation and self-exploration. I am always trying to challenge myself and get better at my work.

What is your favorite piece of all time that you created?

My favorite piece is always the one I'm working on.

What were you thinking about when you created "Reino Felicidad"?

It's a moment of reflection upon one's life.

(Marijose Terán Guardia. El Paraiso. 2016. Acrylic over Canvas, Braced in Wood. 24.40 in. x 20.47 in.)

What is the significance of the newspaper?

Newspapers in my work are a common denominator. I have an extensive collection. Every day, I read the paper, searching for titles that I think will be useful one day. At the start of every piece, I read the titles and choose the ones that help me tell the story or the feeling I want to paint.

(Marijose Terán Guardia. Nuestro Tiempo. 2016. Acrylic over Canvas, Braced in Wood. 24.40 in. x 20.47 in.)

What was your inspiration behind the "Nuestro Tiempo" painting?

It is a reflection of women in the times that we are living. I believe that it is our time to take control of our life and reaffirm our place in society.

In the painting "El Paraiso," you chose not to use red on her blanket. Can you tell me more about that decision?

I wanted to transmit a more contained feeling, not as energetic.

It was a pleasure exploring the work of Marijose Teran. Explore all of her pieces in more detail at https://www.robertallendesign.com/elibrary/robert-allen-color-library/found-by-robert-allen.html