About Maria

"To see in color is natural; to see in black and white is magic!" 

It took me a long time to just say to myself or even outloud for that matter that, "I am a photographer."  Doesn't seem like a lot to say, but I always thought one had to know everything about the subject to become one.  And that just isn't so.  We all learn along the way. 

PRIVATE GALLERIES:     Beginning in 2003, I began showing in galleries in the Sacramento Area and continued with some success through 2010.  I moved up to the foothills north of Sacramento in 2005 and in 2010 joined a co-op called "High Hand Gallery" located in Loomis, CA, showing there for over four years.  Throughout the Sacramento and Auburn/Loomis areas I have had many recognized exhibits which is always exciting.  Participating in art shows is fun where you are always meeting new people and other artists.  

MY PROCESSES:     In regards to my processes, I had my own studio  with a darkroom for numerous years.  I used 400 TMAX B&W film which is still available.  I have always had to depend on labs to process my film for me.  That in itself was a process - if they didn't print the image the way you saw it, they had to go back to the drawing board - or darkroom in this instance.  I had my ultimate dream come true having my own darkroom and it was a lot of fun.  Early on I learned to cut mats as well as frame my own artwork.  I no longer have the darkroom and have moved on to going all digital.  Now it seems I'm all about the papers that I print on:  metallic, Museo silver rag (printing digital images making them appear as though they were developed in the darkroom, and various bamboo papers. 

ADDITIONAL ARTWORKS:  In addition to continuing with my photography,  I have been painting from my photographic images now.  I have added several additional galleries to showcase these artworks as well.