Beatriz Mayorca’s Creations
Beatriz Mayorca understands what it is to have many layers that, in the end, combine to form an identity unique to each individual. Beatriz is an artist, immigrant, mother, wife, and above all, a persevering woman with an unparalleled passion for art.
Beatriz’s story begins in Venezuela, a vibrant country bathed in the waters of the Caribbean — a country that now suffers a complicated political and social situation. In its former glory, Venezuela became rich in immigrants who came to the country after the Second World War, many with empty hands and hearts full of hopes for a new beginning.
The European immigrants shaped the arts and architecture of the country. A prime example is La Universidad Central de Venezuela, the university from which Beatriz graduated. Famous for its modernist architecture, it is full of art by world-renowned artists such as Alexander Calder, Jesus Soto, Oswaldo Vigas, and Victor Vasarely. Beatriz started her career in Engineering and later changed to Mass Communication.
Without her knowing it, the university’s visual influence and its studies in engineering and communication would form an essential part of the career that she would later start. In 2005 the company for which Juan Carlos Brito, Beatriz’s husband, worked decided to transfer him and his family to Oklahoma, which initiated a new identity: “Immigrant,” a word that Beatriz carries with pride. Many do not know it, but this word is good friends with another: “Opportunity”.
“In a country as complex as Venezuela, where Maslow’s pyramid dominates social existence, little time and resources are dedicated to art.” Mayorca says, “Many of us do not allow ourselves to explore our creativity that could perhaps develop into a great passion or career because other basic needs are not covered. There is no space for gambling.”
Once in Oklahoma, Beatriz decided to allow herself to explore something different that had intrigued her her whole life: art. “I graduated in 2011 from University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. During this time, I explored different art media, but where I found my passion was using power tools, mixing elements such as concrete, metals, woods, mosaics, and other elements.”
When I asked her what she believes her success is attributed to, she said without hesitation: “Perseverance - I have learned to see the “NO’s” as part of the process. It was challenging at first. Once I earned my degree, I dedicated myself to learning about the economic part of art, how to present proposals to a committee and how to calculate budgets and overhead for the art pieces to be fairly priced and profitable. I wanted to do things well from the beginning from all points of view, including legally”.
Beatriz’s art perfectly encapsulates her different career paths, her roots, and her dreams. Without realizing it at the time, everything she was learning would manifest in the creation of something bigger. Her background in engineering now plays a crucial role in the production of significant works of public art. Her materials combine European-Venezuelan architectural influences such as metal and concrete with the use of natural elements such as wood and ropes commonly used in South American culture.
Her background in communication and her deep understanding of human interactions have allowed Beatriz to create marvelous art pieces. She is driven by an enormous desire to bring something positive to Oklahoma and its public art.
“I intend to bring art to all audiences, to give the people of this city, who have given me so much, a pleasant moment… a smile. Art is something magical; it brings people together. No matter how different we are, art is something that we can all enjoy and it should be there to unite.”
Beatriz’s essence is filled with gratitude to this country and to this city. “I am very grateful to be part of this city. I have been here for 15 years, and I am pleased I have been able to see and be part of the growth of Oklahoma City. I would not want to be anywhere else.”