I’m María, a self-taught Basque artist currently based in Galicia.

My work is inspired by the beech forests where I grew up, the grey Cantabrian Sea, and the foggy memories of childhood. Religious insights and a catholic education also play an important role, alongside influences from folklore and paganism.

Studying Philosophy shaped my artistic perspective and conceptual approach, exploring existential themes, such as hope, belief, inner shelter, and the relationship between nature and spirit.

After university, I worked as a traditional bookbinder for a few years, which inspired me to combine craftmanship with storytelling, and led me to dream of creating my own illustrated world. Wanting to reconnect with my childhood creativity, I began working with watercolor and have continued ever since, turning a hobby into my professional career in 2022.

Since last autumn dreams have become a major source of inspiration, serving as a medium for spiritual and artistic exploration. I create silent stories about creatures and landscapes from other worlds, who come to be companions along the way. This interconnected universe allows me to elevate personal experiences into a realm of myths and tales, blending memories and grief into the collective imagery.

While watercolor has become my primary medium, expanding my artistic skills and exploring different techniques is one of the main impulses that drives my creative journey. Woven cotton tapestries, silk and woolen scarves, and books are some of the things I’ve applied my illustrations to. This year, I’ve begun adding three dimensions to my artworks, creating dioramas, papercuts, and peep shows, a path I plan to continue exploring.