Maria Esterela

Maria Luis Estrela, born in Cascais, Portugal, and raised in a vibrant extended family from Cape Verde, West Coast of Africa, found her artistic home in Newark, NJ in 2002. In 2008, she joined The Newark School of the Arts, where she discovered her passion for digital photography under the guidance of mentor Andrew Cohen. Estrela's photography, capturing nature and travel, serves as a medium for self-healing, stillness, freedom, and inner self-discovery.

In 2018, Estrela's artistic journey took a new turn with a collage workshop led by artist Mansa Mussa. Collage and mixed media became integral to her work. Her collages aim to reconnect women with nature, placing them in landscapes surrounded by found objects. Through this, she re-contextualizes their power, highlighting the harmony between the beauty of nature and the strength of women.

Currently, Estrela's artistic focus revolves around her African roots. She aspires for her work to inspire others to explore their family histories, fostering a deeper connection with self, culture, and tradition. Estrela's art is a celebration of heritage and an invitation to reflect on one's own roots.