Signed Abstract Painting from Costa Rica 'Germinating' Item ID: 2671776833

“My name is Olga Saenz Carbonell. I was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. From a young age, I was always surrounded by nature, rivers, trees, flora, and fauna. I always felt a profound need to be free and in the open air. Because of this, I decided to work as a tour guide. My love for nature grew greater and greater. My job was a big part of my life, but unfortunately I became sick in the year 2010, and was forced to retire. But, this did not stop me; on the contrary, it inspired me greatly.

“Until that time, I had never painted in my life. It all began when I was covering some stains on my walls. When I finished, I decided to buy some canvas. Since then, I spend between 14 and 16 hours a day painting. During this time, I drew inspiration from books and music. There was an artist version of myself sleeping inside me, waiting for the intensity of the external life to stop so that the inner life could emerge.

“I have five wonderful children, and we have always been interested in books, art, film, theater, painting, and sculpture. I live in a marvelous place situated in the mountains, next to a river far from the capital of Costa Rica. I am always surrounded by nature, which is my main source of inspiration.

“I dream of being able to subsist on painting alone, not needing any more than that in order to be able to continue expressing my thoughts. Today, I also write, which helps me give expression to the art in my paintings.

“My life has been a constant search for what makes me feel free and happy. I work to ensure that my children have the capacity to do what they really like and what will make them feel satisfied and fulfilled. You have to live life to the extreme. Thinking of the impossible only limits our imagination.

“I believe that human communication does not need anything more than the certainty that a connection exists. In some way, I can communicate a piece of my mind and freedom with the people who view my pieces.”