The Night Before Print

ABOUT ME I am Mara Galvao, a self-taught artist born and raised in the serene countryside of St. Helena, Brazil. In pursuit of a better life and a thriving artistic career, I made a courageous move to San Francisco Bay Area in 2000, alongside my husband and three children. From an early age, art and creativity have been my constant companions. Before my journey as a painter, I owned a clothing factory in Brazil, which allowed me to express my love for creation, colors, textures, and paints. This experience ignited a deep passion within me, propelling me towards the limitless realm of painting. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of studying under accomplished artists, whose wisdom and guidance have enriched my artistic skills and nurtured my individuality as an artist. The transition to the United States opened doors to new and unconventional techniques, expanding my artistic horizons and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. My art is a reflection of the world around me—nature, family, friends, my country, and my personal history. Drawing inspiration from my Brazilian roots, I infuse my paintings with memories of elements like coconut fibers, palm leaves, and also memories of childhood walks on dusty sidewalks. Each stroke and splash of paint tells a story, evoking the vibrant energy of carnival costumes and leaving an indelible mark on the canvas. In my artistic process, I embrace intuition and spontaneity. I let the paintings guide me, speaking their own language and indicating when they are complete. I explore various techniques, utilizing a wide range of organic substances and materials to create captivating textures and depths. From pouring and pasting to scraping and layering, I sculpt the surface of my artwork, constantly evolving as an artist and allowing my emotions to flow freely onto the canvas. Join me on this artistic journey as I continue to explore, learn, and grow. Through my expressive and evocative paintings, I invite you to immerse yourself in a world where colors dance, textures mesmerize, and emotions come alive. To discover more about my artistic vision and explore my artworks, please visit my website at .