Crystal Week

Maria Constanza Ferreira

My main character trait?
Optimistic. I’m a curious and rebellious person who thinks about the world around me seriously and deeply with an almost delusional sense of optimism. 

What inspires me?
I’m inspired by large things like unusual and alien looking terrains and small things like light reflecting from a water bottle. I’m also inspired by people that are experts in fields or skills unknown to me. I was born in a new moon so beginnings, moments of inspiration, and emerging potential are extremely important to me.

What do I do in my free time?
I’m fortunate to have talented friends to chat with and bounce ideas off. In my free time I’m always connecting with people.  Everyone is knowledgeable about something special and I enjoy finding out what that is and digging deep into whatever that is. 

Words I overuse?
Crystals, crystals, crystals!

What I value most?
My freedom. 

It is important for art installations to be…
Like any work of art, something that nurtures a sensory or emotional experience that lingers potently on your mind and body after leaving its presence. The longer that time is and the deeper the connection, the more successful that artwork is with a person. 

Favorite movie?
“Asparagus” by Suzan Pitt and “Rosas Danst Rosas” by Thierry De Mey.

My greatest achievement?
I feel like I’m living it every day by having the freedom to be an artist. Despite the turbulent road that demands immense resilience (and the occasional existential crisis), it is a privilege I never take for granted. I am constantly proud of the unexpected opportunities and people my work brings me, and the ways I’ve seen my art affect others. Cultivating a career that allows me to connect with the world in unexpected ways whilst having the freedom to explore my esoteric interests, truly is my continuous greatest achievement. Also, having the tenacity to reach my 30’s without ever having social media. 

What makes me obsessively afraid?
There is a period of time before beginning a new work, sometimes short, sometimes long, where I become obsessively afraid. Primarily because of the myriad pathways and endless possibilities the work may develop into. This infinite realm is both terrifying and incredibly powerful. It’s as if I’m stranded in the middle of a vast desert and I have no idea what the best route to safety is. But the truth and the real joy in those moments is surrendering and accepting that any direction you walk towards will be the right way. 

I’m also especially terrified of the global state of the world concerning genocide and hate crimes. It’s scary how much anger is building up in the world. Nowhere seems to be fully safe right now.

It is important for me, that my art…
Nurtures new ways of thinking and seeing for myself and for others. It is important that my art helps me evolve and find a sense of purpose. I especially feel this in moments when I find myself incredibly productive and obsessive about whatever project I’m working on, where my mind and body finally seem to align through the process of art making. Or, after an exhibition or screening where I have a powerful and unexpected conversation with someone that connected with my work where I also learn something special about a stranger. Above all, it is important that my artworks are a source for meaningful conversations and connections.

My main flaw?
I can’t keep still.

Read in Polish / przeczytaj po polsku >>

The “Crystal Landscapes” exhibition is taking place as part of Crystal Week, one of the 50 themed weeks organized in connection with Katowice being awarded the title of European City of Science 2024.