There is no distinction between the private Maria Montoya and the public, professional blogger on social media.
Because her body is her work, through which she expresses content based on themes of gender, body, sexuality, LGBTIQA + community with the use of Latin American elements. “My work of art and I are one and the same thing”…
Hello Maria would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Thank you very much for this invitation. For the people who do not know me, I am Maria Montoya, visual artist, art director and queer activist. I’m actually working on my artistic and textile projects mostly based on themes of gender, body, sexuality, LGBTIQA+ community with the use of Latin American elements. I’m always talking from my context which is latino. I invite you to look at my work on my Instagram account.
Where are you from and how old are you?
I’m Colombian and I’m close to turning 25 next November 2nd. “Dia de Muertos”. I’ve always had a fascination for costumes, colours, performance, body and everything related to it. I’m very interested in exploring the different ways of speaking or communicating through my body, that’s why my work of art and I are one and the same thing. I am my work of art. I think I’m a very colorful person, I’m a bright rainbow, extravagant and kitsch and I try every single day to be the most genuine and real person.
It seems like you are very glamour person, you like fashion and also very good photos. What are your interests? And how would you describe yourself?
I work as a freelance artist, I’m creating and working on my ideas full time, sometimes they’re paintings, others embroidery and even clothes. I’ve also worked as a model in Colombia and other Latin American countries, doing campaigns for different brands. I also have a photography project with my brother and my best friend so we’re always taking pictures, and hunting places for new settings. In everything creative I can find and recognize myself.
What do you do for a living? I love your Instagram page for the choice of images you did. It’s colourful and very funny! Are you a creative?
I started getting tattoos when I was 15. My first tattoo was given to me by my mom as a gift from my “Quinceañera” which is a very important celebration in Latin culture. I remember when I was in school, and I was a little girl, that kids sold bubble gum with fake tattoos on the package and you could stick them onto your skin with some water.
I bought so many because I wanted to fill my skin with them, they made me feel special and closer and connected to my “true self”. Tattoo has been one of the most powerful ways I have found to show on the outside of my body what I am inside.
Who tattooed you?
I have tattoos from several tattoo artists, but 90% of my tattoos have been done by my great friend Kristian Gonzalez, a vegan and straight edge tattoo artist.
For me he is the best tattoo artist in traditional old school style in Colombia.
I have my entire back tattooed and almost two full sleeves, although I lack to fill several spaces, and some smaller tattoos on my feet. The whole backpiece has been one of the most important, powerful, intimate decisions I’ve ever made. A powerful act that taught me a lot about myself from pain.
What is tattoo for you?
To me tattoo is pure art. It is to become a canvas of infinite possibilities. It is to embrace your history and what you are, from the most perfect machine: your own body. Tattoo is power, is magic.
Do you have a special dream?
I am a very dreamy person, so I have many dreams and goals to fulfill. I work for them every day in one way or another. Some of my dreams are more ambitious than others, but they’re all important. I hope that in the process of achieving them I can help others to make theirs become a reality.
We are at the end of this short chat with you. Would you like to say bye bye to our readers with a special motto?
I have several life mottos, one of them is: “BUY MY ART BEFORE I DIE” and “LIFE IMITATES ART”. I invite you to follow me on my Instagram accounts @mariamontoya_cut and @mariamontoya_art ! And… Always be honest with yourself and the others.
