Maria Durci

Finding beauty in the broken, value in the discarded and stories in the pieces is a reflection on humanity. The forces that shape us make us

Currently 40th

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You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!

Voting for the Top 20 ends Thursday the 14th of May at 7PM PDT

What is The People's Artist?

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What is your favorite type of art to create?

I love finding inspiration in the shape or story behind the the discarded pieces I find while hiking and creek walking. I also love playing with fluid paint whether alcohol inks or water color and acrylic. Sometimes I combine found objects and alcohol ink or mixed media. Occasionally original poetry or a phrase become part of my work.

Where do you find inspiration?

Nature inspires me more than anything. The play of light on water or through the trees, the shape of a leaf, the colors in the sky or a bird feather a rock or drift wood piece I've found can inspire. As a long time conservation educator animals inspire me as well. Their stories can evoke a need to tell them through my art.

What would you do with $25,000?

My dream is to start a studio where I can combine my passions for conservation and sustainability with my passion for art and teaching. I would like to teach humans of all ages and abilities to create as they learn about animals, plants and conservation. My 30 years as a Zoo Educator, 25 years in Scouting and many years of working with people who have diverse abilities and neurodivergent minds give me a unique perspective on bringing the arts into learning. It would be a fantastic "retirement".

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