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Through her work Nicaraguan collage artist María Delgado aims to take you to a psychedelic retro-world. Commissioning her to create 3 pieces for our home was an awesome “new to us” experience. It is with pleasure that we introduce María to you today!
When did you become interested in art? Did you have an artistic background growing up?
I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember. All I wanted for Christmas when I was a kid was art supplies. I used to spend my summer vacations at my grandma’s house in Rivas. She would draw me things in pieces of fabric and I would sew on top. I had an aunt who loved to do crafty stuff too. So I would chill with her and we would create together. I never took a proper art class when I was a kid, but I was completely excited when art class was available in school when I was a little older.
For those who aren’t familiar with collage artwork, can you give our readers a brief explanation of what constitutes a collage?
The word collage comes from the French word “collé” which means “to glue”. Collage can be made on lots of different mediums – canvas, wood, paper, digital and more! You can use many materials such as newspaper, colored papers, images printed from the internet, postcards, magazines, pieces of nature, etc. Collage is bringing many mediums and textures together and creating a new art piece with them.
When did you first start doing collage?
I first started doing collage in 2013 when I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I started buying vintage magazines there. I began experimenting doing mixed media collage with paint in canvas. When I moved back to Nicaragua – a year later – I started experimenting more with analog style on paper. And also digital collage too.
Can you tell us about your process of making your collages? What tools do you use?
It all started in 2013 when I began collecting vintage magazines in Argentina. Now I have hundreds of them that I’ve acquired in lots of different places.
My process usually starts with a sketch or notes in my Moleskine where I come up with the concept of the collage. Then I go over my magazines page by page to see if I have the types of images I’m looking for. I prefer to get the images from my magazines. But if I don’t have a certain something there are some good resources online to print.
For my digital collages I usually scan the magazine images into the computer and work in Photoshop to manipulate them. For analog collage I use magazines, small sharp scissors, a few different glues and adhesives, an exacto knife, ruler and a cutting mat.
Recently I’ve been creating both digital and analog collages. While I enjoy them both, there’s something about the analog that is more interesting to me.
What is the hardest part of creating a collage?
If I’m creating an analog collage finding the right images in the same size so the composition looks proportioned is the hardest part. It’s so difficult because it’s not like I can go around the corner and buy a magazine and find the image that I need. Some of my magazines are 70+ years old. It has taken me years to build up my collection. In digital, it’s kind of the same. I like using vintage images only. I don’t like using new magazines, it’s just not my style. I prefer the clothing, color palette and nostalgia from old books and magazines.
How long does it typically take for you to finish a piece?
It can take me anywhere from 2 hours to even weeks to finish a piece. Sometimes I already have an idea in my mind and don’t need to write it down on my sketchbook. But other times I’m having trouble with the concept. Maybe there’s an image that I love, but I don’t know how to use it. Or for example one of the last collages I made with cactus plants I had to cut out every single spine. That collage took me more than 20 hours over a week period so that it looked clean and real. So basically it depends on the collage.
Can you think of a piece that was particularly fun to work on? A favorite piece?
I think my favorite piece so far is the one I just mentioned — cactus and surfing! It took me a long time, but it was worth it. I am so happy with the result! I also like the surfing series that I have displayed at the Cerveceria in San Juan del Sur. Finding those vintage surfing magazines took me years! And so when I had them in my hands I enjoyed the process so much. I already had the concept in my head so creating the piece was natural.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I have found a beachy/retro/surf style. And I found this style by living here in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur.
I also shoot film photography. Sometimes I like to combine my photos with my collages. Many of my collages have backgrounds of Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur, Tola or other beaches. The color palettes are super similar. It’s fun to combine my photos with the images from the vintage magazines.
I enjoy watching old films and listening to new music. I follow many amazing collage artists and creators on Instagram that inspire me everyday. I’m inspired by my surroundings – nature and water. And my friends who surf. I’m also inspired by a lot of my friends who are artists too!
What does your work aim to say?
My styles are dreamy and psychedelic. I want to push the viewer to see “ordinary” images through a new lens. I love to think that with each collage I’m creating a little psychadelic retro world. It’s fun to look at the past and put it in the context of the “now” and the future.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
My first job was a cashier at my Dad’s pharmacy when I was a teenager. I worked in call centers too. But I finally started to put my creativity to use when I began my career in advertising. I worked as a copywriter and creative for ad agencies for 10+ years.
Then I decided to go back to school. I studied art direction and creativity in Buenos Aires, which really changed my perspective.
I came back to Nicaragua and worked at McCann agency. But all the clients and work felt too traditional for me. I needed to get those weird creative juices flowing in a different way. So I left the agency and started freelancing and creating art full-time.
And, finally what does a perfect day look like for María Delgado?
For me a perfect day would start with some ashtanga yoga or a run to the beach with my dog. Next having a homemade breakfast or brunch at Machete Market Café. Then some time in my studio to create something new. Later a picnic on the beach enjoying nature and a sunset cocktail (Michelada or vino) with amigos and my significant other. A great way to finish the day would be cooking at home and then watching a really good movie in bed.
For more examples of María’s work visit her website www.mariadelgadoart.com. You can also find her on Instagram @papelotijera123 and @mariadelgado33. Interested in working with María? Contact her via email at mariadelgado.n@gmail.com.
Born in Belgium to Nicaraguan parents, María was 5 years old when her and her family moved back to Nicaragua. Maria currently lives in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur with her fiance Bobby and their dog Jugo. Her daughter AnaEugenia goes to school in the capital city of Managua – where Maria’s parents live.
Besides her collage art María freelances in social media management, graphic design and ad creative. She does animation and event management. She also designs album covers. María launched Nicaragua’s first vintage second hand clothing brand “El Pez Vintage”. She sells her clothing, patches and collage art at pop-ups in Managua, Granada and San Juan del Sur.
María is also part owner of Machete Market Café in Marsella Valley.