Marcia Grijo

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Marcia Grijo is an artist. "When I was only four years old, I was already accompanying my mother to her painting classes in a studio in the Tijuca neighborhood," she says. <br><br> "I always liked drawing a lot. I studied, but little by little, I found myself involved with painting. This was when I was an adolescent, that time when children used to paint at night. Back then, it was my life's passion, only mine. <br><br> "In 1944, I began to frequent the studio of Cleo and other art teachers. Today, I am part of the Rampart studio directed by Luiz Badia, my master. He is also a Novica-featured artist. I've shown my work in several collective exhibits, most recently 'Eternally Copacabana.' <br><br> "Now, I realize the art of painting was always my passion. For 12 years I worked with fashion. With the incentive and support of my family, ? my mother, husband and children ? I looked for self realization in the art of painting. <br><br> "My inspiration comes from my heart, from nature and from the love expressed among people. I try, through my art, to transmit good feelings and to touch the viewer's heart. <br><br> "My family ? my husband and my children, Marcela and Thiago ? are very important in my life and in my trajectory as an artist. I dream of doing even more, counting on my relatives, friends and good health for all this. <br><br> "I hope to always have the energy to surmount any obstacle and to be with my children whenever possible, as they live in California. <br><br> "Through my paintings, I get to express everything in my wonderful life and that feeling of gratitude strengthens me."