As an openly gay Latin American, artist, entrepreneur and stepmom, Pride month celebrations remind me of the most important thing I’ve ever done, coming out and living my truth. —
I am sharing my story for the first time, not because I haven’t wanted to share my journey with others but because it just feels normal to me to be who I am. When I was 20 years old, I had a hard battle with cancer which resulted in my leg being amputated. Having the strength to survive and learning to walk again gave me the courage to live my truth. I had dated men before and had even been engaged, but when you are dealing with life and death issues, you have to dig deep, and that is when I realized that I was bisexual. I am lucky enough to be blessed with a strong core group of women that have been lifelong friends, and they are all straight, so I wasn’t sure how they would react, but when I came out to them, they were incredibly supportive, they were happy for me as long as I was happy. They are still my best friends to this day. I guess that’s why I never feel the need to talk about it, as it’s just another part of who I am. That’s how I feel about my leg too; I never wanted to use my amputation as an excuse. I want to walk as normally as possible and live my life as normally as possible, and I don’t feel the need to highlight being bisexual or an amputee. Lately, through the encouragement of my partner Marjorie, I have come to realize that in sharing my story, I could perhaps inspire others so that they know they can survive cancer, and maybe I can give someone the courage to come out and live their truth as well.
I don’t consider myself a feminist, but I am extremely supportive when it comes to empowering women. Being a strong woman is important and we need to be that for each other too. Health, family, relationships, and a passion for life are the core of who I am. It doesn’t matter if I am an amputee, bisexual, straight, or anything else. I’m living my life the way I want to live it.
Sharing in Pride with my community the beauty of inclusivity, acceptance, diversity, and of course, love always inspires me not only to embrace my truth but to transfer the rainbow of color that comes through in my art. This important aspect of my life feeds an important part of a spiritual explosion of color in my abstract and figurative work. Each piece has a color scheme that represents a significant meaning or emotion. Through this form of expression, I intend to put this love out in the world for it to touch the viewer in ways never expected.
Live your life in love, in truth, and in color.
Marta Echazarreta was born in Miami, Florida, on December 1st, 1971. Born with a natural talent, she proved her artistic eye for detail at a young age. Marta’s education was paused at the age of 20 as battling cancer took precedence over her passion for painting. This era of her life continues to fuel what she claims to be a spiritual artistic expression. Today she continues painting in a rich combination of abstract and figurative interpretations of emotional energy using form, color, and hidden elements. Marta is also the owner and founder of Work of Art Gallery & Framing.
