Maria Alcantara

Mixed-media and Dominican American artist, Maria Alcantara (1977) works with a variety of tactile materials ranging from textiles, embroidery to drawing and painting.

Most recently, she has focused on the creation of textile projects consisting of embroidered found objects, fabrics, and beads that she selects by size, shape, and texture. In addition to that, she creates sculptures by stringing donated beads and buttons into wires and pipe cleaners that are malleable and organic in shape.

Maria has exhibited her work at various venues in NYC and is currently based in The Bronx.

Artist Statement

My name is Maria Alcantara. I am Dominican and I live in The Bronx. Currently I love using assorted colors, textiles, threats, and buttons to create embroidery artworks of different sizes. I transformed some of these materials into acrylic paint and clay. I also like using wire to create soft (malleable) sculptures that feel like bracelets or large necklaces. This work makes me incredibly happy and helps me relax and exercise my hands. My wish is that people think of me when they look at my artwork.

Declaracion de Artista

Mi nombre es María Alcantara, soy dominicana y vivo en el Bronx. Actualmente me gusta usar diferentes colores, telas, hilos y botones para crear bordados de diferentes tamaños. Alguno de estos materiales los transformo utilizando pintura acrílica y arcilla. También me gusta usar alambres para crear esculturas suaves que sienten como brazaletes o collares grandes. Este trabajo me hace muy feliz y me hace ejercitar mis manos. Mi deseo es que las personas piensen en mi cuando miren mi arte.