In the enigmatic world of artistry, Iréne de Brice stands as a luminary, her creative voyage weaving a narrative as rich and diverse as the landscapes that shaped her. Born and raised on the unceded Huetar land in San José, Costa Rica, her artistic journey is a testament to resilience and exploration, rooted in a profound connection to culture and a cosmic curiosity.

For Iréne, the calling to become an artist predates language itself. Before the first words were uttered, she was already wielding brushes and pencils. The impetus to transform her childhood passion into a life's pursuit was, in part, a coping mechanism amid challenging experiences in adolescence. Her artistic endeavors, therefore, evolved not as a conscious choice but as an innate response to the world around her.

Driven by a cultural reverence for elders, Iréne embarked on an academic odyssey, achieving a master's and a PhD—milestones that granted her the validation to pursue artistry, as per her father's decree. A subsequent unexpected relocation to the US Virgin Islands became an unexpected interlude, providing the time and space needed to reshape her focus and creative energies. Today, she operates as an independent design and creative studio, catering to heart-based solopreneurs with a commitment to ecological consciousness and social equity.

Cultural identity is a recurrent theme in Iréne's art. Her genetic heritage, a mosaic of Indigenous, Egyptian, Iranian, Irish, and pan-African ancestry, now finds expression in her creations. Despite residing in the US Virgin Islands, she remains tethered to her roots, using her art as a platform to amplify the voices of First Nations in Costa Rica.

Iréne's creative process is ritualistic—a candle's flame, aromatic herbs, cacao infused with herbs, and a musical backdrop. Each stroke becomes a meditation, a dialogue with the canvas steeped in spiritual grounding.

Influences on Iréne's work are diverse, spanning from the impact of Costa Rican illustrator Vicky Ramos during her childhood to the teachings of Shiloh Sophia and the artistic lineage of Alex Grey and Georgia O'Keeffe. Collaboratively, she is engaged in an ongoing project with indigenous artists in Costa Rica, seeking to resurrect overlooked narratives.

Balancing artistic expression with external expectations is a delicate dance for Iréne. Her art, intended to inspire and challenge preconceptions, refuses to bend to the whims of a general audience.

A pivotal piece in Iréne's repertoire, "Semillas de Vida" (2022), emerged from an international exhibit, raising funds to plant 9,000 trees through Tree Sisters and Musea. The artwork serves as a poignant commentary on Costa Rica's conservation efforts and the simultaneous neglect faced by indigenous communities.

Challenges in Iréne's artistic journey stem from the demands of a conventional career, necessary for financial stability. Finding balance amidst work, family, and community obligations while preserving time for creativity remains an ongoing struggle.

Preferred mediums, such as charcoal, graphite, and ink, embody a tactile intimacy that aligns with Iréne's mission to spark creativity in others by inviting them to interact with her creations. Themes in her work echo the primal rhythms of existence—Mother Nature, the universe, golden rays of divine light, water ripples, and sacred geometry sourced from nature's canvas.

As Iréne contemplates relocation back to the mainland United States, her artistic trajectory faces an uncertain horizon. Having resigned from a conventional career, she grapples with the unknown, navigating a future where family and artistic pursuits take precedence. The blank canvas of the coming years awaits Iréne's strokes, an artist navigating the confluence of dreams and reality, poised for a chapter yet to be written.

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