I was born in Milano, Italy. An only child with an extremely happy childhood, an adolescence in which my mother inspired and encouraged my artistic development. Educated in Italy and South Africa, I trained as a professional classical ballet dancer at the La Scala Opera House in Milan and later became a Prima ballerina and teacher.
I returned to South Africa as a principal soloist with the performing arts council of the Transvaal, known as the premier national ballet company in South Africa. Alongside the ballet I also studied art under George Boys at Witwatersrand Technical College of Art.
After my father sadly passed away I became more actively involved in the family Marble business, this led to the development of my expertise in stone earning me 10 gold medals at the annual South African premier exhibition the 'Witwatersrand Easter Show'.
As I progressed I received a number of honorary professor's recognitions for my fine art. I have many works including corporate and private collections throughout Italy, America, Hong Kong, Canada, South Africa and England. I have received various commissions to paint portraits including Reinhard Cassirier the Managing Director of Sotherby's in South Africa. The composer, Sir Malcolm Arnold CBE, Paloma Picasso. Alexander Thynn - the 7th Marques of Bath, Julian Lloyd Webber. Other works include HM Queen Elizabeth - The Queen Mother, HRH Prince William and the Princess of Wales commissioned by the London City Ballet.
Another passion I have is for writing and have loved poems since my early days at primary school. I have always felt that writing is an exciting voyage of discovery. I always write by hand just as I do with painting or drawing and the creative process is direct. The feeling and inspiration just seem to flow, and as with sketching the fine lines seem to converge and unite into something positive, suddenly the story develops and the characters start to live a life of their own.
My first published book was 'Beyond Fantasy, Poetry and Paintings' in 2001. Followed by 'Merry Mischief' which is about the story of young Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. This was published by Leppi Publications with her permission and I received a thank you letter from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Other books available in my collection include 'The Fantastical Journeys of George Green' - the miller mathematician of Nottingham, these books contain further examples of both my art and poetry.
I hope that I shall never loose my Peter Pan imaginative childhood side of my inspiration. I wish to dream on and on, continuing to share this special gift with both the young and the old.
Take care, love
Marialuisa x
"Marialuisa Marino is one of the outstanding artist of her generation. The artistic challenge she relentlessly sets herself in determination to break new ground, the increasing number of private collections featuring her work, together with the growing museum status, reflects an obsessive dedication compelling respect."
Bill Hopkins, International Association of Arts Critics.