The Daily Muse: Estela Cuadro, Visual Artist and Painter

Elusive Muse is pleased to introduce visual artist and painter Estela Cuadro.

When I was five-years-old, my father sent me to a basic art workshop. Later I began to study graphic design. After I graduated, I had the opportunity to move to Buenos Aires, Argentina and study with an excellent teacher, Silvia Mate. It was the most amazing six years of my life. This experience allowed my artwork and inner being to mature. I learned to meditate, to do oriental dance, and to connect with the people from other places.

Everything is so large and intense that it is impossible to capture it artistically in just a few lines. Silvia created this world and awakened the dreams that I have today, wishing for more. I want to continue to create art without any pressure, living from my creations. I cannot imagine creating art to please others; I believe that art should be free and instantaneous, reflecting how I feel. I believe in my irrational impulses, in the unconscious, in playfulness, in imagination with barriers, all without worries. I want people to like my art from this perspective.

I think what inspires me most is seeing the blank page, knowing that something new is about to be created. What surprises me the most is the journey – taking time for the work to mature. It can be a day, a month, or however long it takes. Each work asks for your time; you must give more energy and wait for things to appear. This is how to eliminate barriers. If the art does not work out, no matter how cute or ugly it can be, the artwork must be.

Many things inspire me, especially music. I paint, I dance and sometimes sing (badly, but it encourages me). I also like to drink a glass of wine or read a book. Traveling also fills me with energy for all these new things.

I admire so many people, but I don’t know if I could choose just one from music, dance, and painting. If I had to name a painter, I would choose Frida Kahlo. I love her character, her art work and her career. I have had the honor of seeing some of her art works in Mexico. Her work is amazing and her life was hard. She had a great life force, light, and energy.

~ Estela Cuadro