From the Seguin Gazette Enterprise

Posted: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 12:00 am | Updated: 6:15 pm, Tue Apr 26, 2011.

Staff reports |

EL PASO – Sculptor Marika Bordes recently made presentations to university and high school students at the request of the University of Texas at El Paso.

“When Marika talks with students about how she creates her sculptures, they literally lean forward to get closer to her and learn from her as they are drawn in and captured by her passion,” said Dr. Richard Padilla, vice president for student affairs at UTEP. “The pictures of her in the presentation, a petite woman wielding a chainsaw, attacking large blocks of wood while making the first cuts in creating a sculpture, instantly challenge and inspire the students to see themselves in new ways.

“Marika is a great role model. Like the sculptures she creates, she is elegant in her simplicity, inspires others to see beyond boundaries, and she is always full of surprises,” Padilla said.

The university students learned about creativity, teaching methods, conceptual sculpture and the art of living.

Marika offered some advice for the future teachers of Texas children: “Along your path, as an artist, share ideas; as a teacher, encourage each creative spirit; as a creative person, continue to learn and appreciate life’s lessons.”

Riverside High School students from the Ysleta Independent School District and Chapin High School students from the El Paso Independent School District also heard presentations by Marika.

“As an artist, I am here today to open the doors to the art world, challenging you to enter it freely and without fear,” she told the students. “I also have the privilege to help demystify the art of making sculpture.”

Marika met Saturday afternoon, April 16, with more than 100 high school students participating in the Upward Bound program which provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance.

The focus of the presentation was similar to the one for the high school classes, but it included an exhibit of Marika’s sculptures and tools.

Students came in small groups to the stage to view sculptures and ask questions about the art of sculpting, creativity and the business of art.

“When you take the next step on your journey, search for the unopened doors,” she told the students. “You have the keys. Do it with a clear and giving heart. Life is nothing but an offering.”

The presentations were made April 14-16 in El Paso.

© Copyright 2011, Seguin Gazette Enterprise, Seguin, TX