Maysa Pettes
Maysa has been a creative force for more than three decades. Her work, however, remained largely unseen until 2008, when she made the decision to dedicate herself fully to her artistic practice.
Maysa and I share not only our homeland of Brazil, but also a belief that art is a source of joy. We both believe that living with art that reflects our stories brings meaning and happiness to everyday life.
In 2005, Maysa chose to step away from the pace of modern life and moved to Rifaina, a small village with a population around 4,000. She lived there for five years and describes the experience as one of the most meaningful periods of her life. It was there that she learned to find joy in the simplest moments — the feeling of bare feet touching the earth or a quiet breakfast in her garden.
That sense of contentment and reflection is something I recognize in her work. It lives within the colors, the forms, and the quiet beauty of her paintings.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“Break the surface. Roam through the planes of consciousness, kind servants of color and form. Everything is connected. Go to the depths and return to the surface. Break through again, blurring silence and expression, and simply create. Art saves us!”
(Translated from original: “Rompa a superfície, vague pelos planos da consciência, servos amáveis das cores e formas. Tudo está ligado, vá ao fundo e volte à tona. Rompa novamente confundindo o silêncio com expressão e apenas crie. A arte salva!”)
Ten Quick Questions*
What is the story behind your name? My name was an homage to the 1950s’ Brazilian singer-songwriter Maysa Matarazzo.
What is a book you would recommend to a friend? Art: The Whole Story by Stephen Farthing
What is one of your pet peeves? Disorder
What is a noise or sound you love/hate? Love: wind/Hate: crying
What is a smell you love/hate? Love: kerosene/Hate: mold
Where is a favorite place on Earth? Forests
What is a dream you have? To keep living
What was an embarrassing moment in your life? Divorce
When was the last time you cried? Yesterday
What is something most people don’t know about you? That I love animals more than people
*Answers translated and edited from original language.
Available Artworks
Nana Banana
Acrylic on canvas
77 x 78 cm
US$800
Alice
Acrylic on canvas
79 x 79 cm
US$800
Apenas Nade (=Just Swim)
Acrylic on canvas
98 x 68 cm
US$800
Just Swim Series
“Break through the surface
befriend change
roam through the planes of consciousness
love much
be a kind servant, a child of nature
mix silence with words
serve
we are all connected
calm down
go deep and come back to the surface
break through again
and… just swim.”
- Maysa Pettes
