Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Vogel
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Managua, Nicaragua, in 1995, and from a very young age, I discovered my passion for painting. At the age of 14, I began my artistic career, and a year later, I gained national recognition by presenting my first exhibition at the Galería Códice in Managua. This marked the beginning of a journey full of learning and growth. I studied Art for two years at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and in 2017, I graduated from the Accademia Europea di Firenze in Florence, Italy, specializing in Fine Arts, Painting, Art History, Arts Management, and Fashion.
Throughout more than a decade of career and constant training, I have developed a style that blends magical landscapes and imaginary seas, influenced by post-impressionism. My works have been appreciated and collected in cities such as Lucerne, New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. Currently, I reside in Houston, Texas, thanks to an extraordinary residency granted by the United States government, and my work is represented by The Americas Collection Gallery in Miami.
Each new stage of my career, such as my participation in DUENDE Art Gallery during Art Week Miami, represents a milestone that elevates Nicaraguan art on international stages. With enthusiasm and dedication, I continue to create works that aim to inspire and connect with those who view them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I firmly believe that nothing truly worth having comes easily, especially when it involves your life’s passion. Every challenge I’ve faced has been a stepping stone, a hidden blessing that has shaped me into who I am today. From leaving my home country to adapting to the dynamic pace of a busier lifestyle, each experience has been a gift—pushing me to grow stronger, more empathetic, and deeply attuned to my craft.
What has come naturally, however, is the unwavering conviction that this is what I was born to do. That clarity has been instrumental in quieting self-doubt, giving me the confidence to move forward. Yet, it also adds a profound sense of responsibility—a drive to continually deliver my best and remain steadfast in the pursuit of my vision. It’s not easy to follow you dreams when only you truly know what that looks like. It takes. a lot of self discipline and surprisingly enough, self love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My life’s work is about creating art that inspires connection and emotion. I strive to share pieces that reflect not only my personal journey but also the beauty and complexity of the world as I see it. My cultural roots and experiences living and learning abroad have deeply influenced my work, shaping a style that blends technical skill with a heartfelt perspective of belonging. I truly believe that something that is central to the human condition.
What sets my art apart, I believe, is the story behind it. I aim to bring that sense of honesty to my work—combining imagination with elements of my heritage in a way that feels both personal and universal. It’s humbling to know that my art can resonate with others, and I’m grateful for the chance to share it.
How do you think about happiness?
That’s such a profound and thoughtful question, and I truly appreciate it. If I had to express it clearly, I would say that, above all, the greatest joy in my work is the ability to create art and share it with others—to see how it touches their lives, how it makes them reflect on their memories, their dreams, their stories, and even their soul.
Over time, I’ve come to believe that within each of us lies a small yet profound speck of God’s universal, unconditional love. To connect with that, even in the smallest way—through a smile, a kind word, or a single brushstroke—fills me with immense gratitude. Knowing that my art can spark that connection or bring a little light to someone’s world is a gift I cherish deeply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mfvogel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfvogelart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mfvogelart
