My father had big dreams for me - that is the reason I left South America at the early age of eight. He wanted me to have the opportunity to attain a higher quality of education in the United States, since education is very important in our family. He wanted me to be the best person I could be. At first, deep down, I thought I let him down. I did not become a doctor or lawyer, a profession that makes a contribution to society. Instead, I became an artist. With much search into my self, I have found peace, incredible energy and excitement, that of which I've never felt before. I have found that as an artist I too can make a difference. My quest is to bring back my heritage through my art by combining tropical images, Spanish architecture and colors that will arouse the spirit of others. By evoking my memories of South America, new and spiritual art pieces are created. The energy and passion that go into these pieces are meant to heighten that old self to a new being full of love and compassion for others' cultures and to enable us to embrace one another's differences.

Born: In Bolivia, South America, Guadalupe now resides in Santa Barbara, California.

The making of an artist: Nila began watercolor painting and pottery in high school, completing art studies at St. Cloud State University and commercial art in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Travel: Nila has traveled throughout the United States, Bolivia and South America to experience and explore the use of new art techniques and materials.

Exhibits: Nila's award winning art has been featured in several major galleries such as- David Ice Gallery, Dayton Hudson Gallery, MLJ Impressions, HDMG Gallery and Calhoun Beach Club.

Private Collections: Nila's art may be found in private collections in Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia, Oregon, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Santa Barbara and Montecito. Her work is also in the Colorado and Museum of Art.

Paint Media: Nila prefers pastels on canvas, fabrics, acrylics on ceramics, and textile paints on furniture coverings.

Passions: Travel, the ocean, nature, walks on the beach and collecting heart stones.

Her philosophy: "Life is made of many layers, one by one, unfolding each to find the center. As an artist, one starts at the center, deep inside, and builds from there." - Guadalupe Nila Barja