Abstract Painting Made with Mineral Pigments Watercolor 'Lands of My Land I' Item ID: 2677067919

"My name is Magda Cordoba and I was born in San José, Costa Rica. As a child, I always spent my time reading, learning new things, and creating. I always enjoyed painting and drawing, although I also had a love for science, literature, and mathematics. When I had to decide what to study, I chose advertising design, and throughout my university years, I took drawing and watercolor courses consistently.

"At the age of 21, I had a traffic accident, which led me to go through a very challenging phase in my life regarding my health. I was on the verge of death several times, and during those three years, the only thing I could do without any time constraints was paint. After that, I was able to work in the field I had studied, advertising design, and I spent almost 15 years in an advertising agency until I had the opportunity to become a mother. Throughout that time, I continued to paint. I took courses and workshops, but it wasn't until the year 2000 that I dared to become an independent artist. Since that year, I have been working on art more seriously and with discipline. Art has always been and continues to be my passion.

"Watercolor has always fascinated me as a technique. I am captivated by the reaction of pigments on paper when they come into contact with water and the intervention of the artist and their reactions. It's an adventure where you never know for sure what the exact result will be. It has its own rhythm and specific times for moisture and drying. I usually work with music, which helps me connect with mental, spiritual, and physical states.

"Music is my driving force for creation. Nature and its forms provide me with creative material, and the stories and emotions of people inspire me. In this stage of my life, I am going through a process of spiritual discovery and self-awareness, which has led me to a different world of inspiration.

"The materials I use are Curiol de Güaitil mineral pigments that are native to Costa Rica. When I visit the coast of that part of the country, I seek out ceramic artisans and buy small portions of the pigments already prepared in a little water. There are only 4 colors: 2 terracottas, black, and cream. I bring this mixture to my studio and combine it with gum arabic to apply it to the papers.

"In 2017, during Christmas, the Costa Rican Watercolorists Association was asked to provide a representative for a highly prestigious International Watercolor event held in Italy every year called Fabrianoin Acquerello. It was Christmas Eve, and they called me because I speak English, to see if I would accept the position and the challenge. I had to prepare and select 15 artists within a month to represent Costa Rica. I was able to do it, and that event completely changed my life. I have been a leader for my country for 5 years, and I have been able to travel to Italy, interact with watercolorists from all over the world, and even be invited to India as part of the Fabrianoin Acquerello leadership community. That event completely changed the way I see and express art. By sharing with friends from different cultures around the world, it significantly transformed my life.

"I would like to thank Novica and its customers for giving me the opportunity to share my art. It is important to me that people value art and appreciate creativity. It is truly wonderful to have a platform like this that allows us to make cultural connections."