Green and Brown Cubist Still Life Painting from Brazil, "Refinement II"

"I began to paint in 1993. I spent two months just watching my teacher in his workshop before I really started to put together canvas and paint. Since then I haven't stopped. My emotions are very present in my work; my brush strokes are very well marked. I think that a painting results from 70% technique and 30% feeling.

"I never had any formal academic formation, and because of this I always study a lot; without dedication and persistence it is impossible to achieve success. I always feel like a beginner, which in a certain way is linked to my personality - I feel as though I were 17-years old. It is great to be only 17!

"In my work I usually recognize traces of Impressionism and a strong tendency towards Cubism. I choose my themes and spend time developing them, such as lovers and fish, among others.

"To sell on the Internet is something entirely new and unexpected for me. I think that every work has its owner. It is an honor for the artist to know that somebody is interested in one of his or her 'children.'"

Ruth Martins has participated in a number of exhibitions in Rio de Janeiro.