May 20 th, 2009 Page 3

Mixed Media Artist: Mariana Kgide

                                           By Tara Spears

Tropical Riviera Nayarit has long been a favorite area for artists with its gorgeous coasts, mysterious jungles, and vibrant Mexican culture.  For La Penita resident, Mariana Kgide, this paradise stimulates her creativity and spirituality.  “My art has reached a new level since I have lived on the coast,” said Mariana through an interpreter. “I feel that I am fulfilled as an artist and as an individual.”   A mixed media artist, her most recent work is a powerful earth-tone series that include wall art and sculptures.

Born in Acapulco, Michoacán, Mariana lived in various parts of Mexico due to her father’s work. “I started making jewelry for myself as a young child,” she said. “By the time I was a teenager, friends asked me to make jewelry for them, so I started selling my original work.”  She asked other craftsmen and artists to show her how they made their wares: “I felt a need to express my heart in art.”  Mariana explored various art mediums, creating when she wasn’t working. She decided that what best conveyed her message was to incorporate a variety of styles in a single piece. “I love to paint; I love to shape things with my hands; I love the beauty in natural objects, so I feel such joy to create by blending all three!” Twenty years later, her unique style reflects her spiritual and technical evolution.

While Mariana’s work is available at the Decameron Hotel Boutique, south Sol Nuevo Avenida in Guayabitos, she recently had a month long art exhibit at the tony La Penita gallery, Xaltemba.  In addition, she and her silversmith artist husband, Cristobal Munoz, offer original, quality jewelry each week at the Thursday market (tianguis). Pictured with the talented couple is their Mexican hairless dog, Ursus.  Cristobal, a native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, speaks English and is happy to translate for customers.  He specializes in original silver and semi-precious stone rings, bracelets and necklaces. Both artists accept commissions for specific pieces to suit customers’ taste.

Mariana was focusing on honing her art when tragedy struck: 19 months ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and chemo therapy.  “I celebrate every little thing in life now” she said with a smile. “We take it day by day.”  While cleared of cancer, Mariana recently was hit with another major medical disaster.  She has severely eroding hip joints and needs two hip replacement operations in order to keep her legs and to be able to walk, but has no health insurance after the cancer. The government will provide amputation of both legs at the hip unless she can raise money for private surgery. Even with this desperate medical situation, Mariana and Cristobal focus on expressing joy by creating beauty from their hearts in their art. 

Contact Mariana or Cristobal for a private showing of available art (or to commission work):

274-3280    or email: dikurkgid@hotmail.com

Punta Rasa coastal photograph by Bill Bell