I was born in San José, Costa Rica, 55 years ago. At 16, I entered the University of Costa Rica in order to study Statistics and in 1977 I obtained a Masters degree in Population at the London School of Economics.

During three decades I worked as Statistician in several state institutions and retired four years ago. Two years before I had become a widow. I had not defined my new life project. For a long time I had wished to make a degree in Analytical Psychology, namely on Jungian theories. However, such academic program was not available in Costa Rica and I had to look for something else.

By mere chance, a friend called Carmen Rodríguez suggested me to take painting lessons. She said it had been the most gratifying activity for her. I answered at once that painting was not for me because I was unable to draw a thing. The teacher will explain you, she said, and gave me the name and phone number of José Miguel Yglesias. José Miguel accepted me in one of his groups and with him I started drawing and painting. Soon I realized I enjoyed water coloring more than anything else.

Three years later, another friend named Giovanni Hidalgo asked me if I had seen Ms. Gisela Stradtmann’s workshop. He said it was very close to my place and there she taught watercolor painting. I called Ms. Stradtmann and told her that my main goal was to be able to paint my dreams, just like Carl Jung had done. She saw a couple of my watercolors and accepted me in her workshop. She suggested me some days later to take drawing lessons with Luis Paulino Delgado in order to improve my skills.

These teachers, different as they are -or rather opposite regarding painting styles and approaches- have guided and encouraged me to keep on painting.

In March 2009 I attended a workshop at San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with the famous watercolorist from the USA, Mel Stabin.  It was a great experience because Mel likes to paint pleine aire and we had to do the same.  Encouraged by this experience, two months later I went to paint marinas at our sea coast.  And in May 2010 I attended one more workshop at Florence, Italy, with the architect and watercolorist Alfonso Tejada.

I have often wandered what would have happened if I had dedicated myself to painting long ago. What if I had studied Arts instead of Statistics? I think that perhaps I would be making better drawings but communicating different things. And I believe that the communication between the observer and the artist is the most valuable aspect of painting.

Painting is not my hobby. It is not some kind of therapy either. Painting has become my most gratifying activity. It has meant a huge challenge because of my background and has become the main means to express my Self.

Helena Ramírez Valverde

rvhelena@gmail.com