Maria Reff
Abstract Ink on Paper/Ink on wood
Washington, DC
 
With a background as an academic, Maria has been drawing leisurely and at the request of certain people for over 7 years. From working on wood to designing picture frames, Maria has continued to find an escape in her art as she has pursued numerous degrees from our country's finest institutions, including Brown University and Duke University Law School. Many admirers of her intricate use of shape placement and consistency with using only black ink have applauded her art. Regardless of the canvass, she is able to create a world of controlled chaos with her advanced interlocking schemes and fascinating spatial illusions. Much of her art has gone unnoticed, outside of a few select circles. Still, she continues to explore the boundaries of her own expression and artistic output.
Growing up in a diverse background of American and Colombian heritage, I grew up listening to various types of music. Although, at a young age, both my parents pursued careers that allowed me to spend a lot of time with my Grandmother, a native of Barranquilla, Colombia, who spoke little, if any, English. "Mi Abuela", helped to raise my brother, sister and I while my parents often worked. Moreover, I was fortunate to have her relocate to the US from Colombia and live only two blocks from my home. Her influence on me, gave me a deep love and affection for the music of my Latin ancestry. The sounds of Salsa, Vallenato, and Cumbia flowed through my veins and invigorated my soul. I found a passion for Latin dancing and choreography and was able to start a Latino performance group at my high school. Still, there was a musical influence on me from living in my hometown of Washington, DC, a predominantly African-American city. For those that are unaware, Washington, DC's native sound is Go-Go, which is very prevalent along with Hip-Hop. Gangstarr, Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Chuck Brown, The Huckabucks and The Backyard Band were all vital to my musical repertoire. All of these genres of music are related to the person that I am and the artist I have become.   The percussion of Vallenato, Hip-Hop, and Go-Go is what has created this artistic beat in my heart.

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