Marita Valdizan

I am a mother, award-winning artist, jewelry designer and teacher from Peru. Over the years I have studied and developed different techniques to create sculptural and multi-functional wearable art and mixed media pieces using a crochet hook and wire.

Eight years ago I studied Peruvian Stitch wire crochet under the direction of the acclaimed artist/creator Juan Pacheco in Peru. Inspired by his craftsmanship, I began to devise my own style. By using different size crochet hooks and varying qualities and thickness of colored wires, I was able to produce my own mixed media wire crochet technique.

My work is a reflection of life situations that are sometimes great and colorful and sometimes difficult and bleak. My family and surroundings motivate me to express a range of emotions through the use of color. Through my art I want to offer optimism, move from difficult to hopeful, and allow those that see my work the chance to feel good and see the beauty around them.

After beginning my professional career as an arts and crafts instructor in Peru, I continued teaching art and am currently hosting Metal Crochet Classes at the Naperville Art League. Students often comment that they recognize something special about my classes as I encourage them to be creative with their own designs.

As an exhibiting artist, I first started showing work in Peru then Puerto Rico, Wisconsin and Tennessee. My work can now be seen in Aurora, Wheaton, West Chicago and Naperville and other local communities. I reside with my family in Naperville, IL and am a current member of Naperville Art League, Dupage Art League and Gallery 200 in West Chicago.