When curiosity killed the cat, it made writers go on a never-ending quest for knowledge. Talking about cats, a small paperback caught our attention a time ago about a one having a good time on Halloween Night. We came to know Maribel Texidor, another of our local talent. Not only does she write poetry and small stories, but she paints and works in many artisanal things that your mind is blown. So much talent on only just one person. Let us know a bit about the one they call Kimasogi.
Q- Maribel, tell us a bit about you. Where did you study? What major?
A- I consider myself a multi-faceted individual, always willing to learn and experience new things. I love science and all aspects of the arts. I really wanted to become a veterinarian but life had other plans and I ended up studying Telecommunications at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Although I never worked as a producer in the field, I always worked in arts and communications in one way or the other. 10 years ago I was introduced to the fantastical world of publishing, comics, and conventions when my husband, Roberto Cruz, and I founded Da’MaRoJo Studios. Since then I’ve been involved in a rich adventure full of expertise and learning.
Q- What projects have you worked on?
A- Up to this moment, through Da’MaRoJo Studio, I had published 3 editions of my book of illustrated poems titled “De Amor y Desamor”, where I’m the writer and co-illustrator with the help of my husband. And a short story for children titled Kenny, about a cat having an adventure on Halloween night, where I’m the author and worked as writer and illustrator.
Q- Tell us about Kenny el Gato and how it comes to be.
A- Kenny in Halloween Night came to be thanks to Cristina Morán, may she rest in peace, who encouraged me to create a children’s book to showcase in a Halloween night event at the Metro Comics Store. It was one of those projects that came to be out of nothing that you end up enjoying too much and the public really like.
Q- Your go-to writing skill is poetry. How does it differ from when you wrote your book?
A- Well, there’s not much of a difference, because Kenny is told in a way that could be considered narrative poetry. So I didn’t step out of my comfort zone, I came up with the story and narrated the event in rhyme.
Q- You also have dived into the comic world, tell us a bit about it.
A- I love being able to live, what I consider to be an adventure, where there is so much to give and learn. Even when I always liked comic books and read some of them, I was never immersed in the culture, until I met my husband, who not only is a fan and expert in the topic, but also his dream was to create a comic book and that’s how Da’MaRoJo
came to be.
Q- So besides those things in literature you have other talents. Tell us what is it, and the difference from your literary journey.
A- The world of art is a big one with many fields that I want to learn. I want to become knowledgeable of every aspect of the art world, that’s why I try to learn a little bit of everything, I paint, I make crafts, but since 2014, I dedicated myself to the art of Embossing Metal. Today I’m a certified Artisan and a teacher in the craft.
Q- What is your favorite character and/or book and why?
A- Look, now that I’m submerged in the world of Graphic Novels, comic books, etc. I can tell you that the book I fell in love with is SAGA, created by Brian K Vaughn and Fiona Staples. Is a wonderful story beautifully illustrated that touches many aspects of politics and social themes in a world full of magic and fantasy. I highly recommend it.
Q- What other projects are you working with at the moment?
A- Thousands, In my head, as always. But my main goal is to publish a paperback with new material about my poems.
Q- You work with a team of different artists in Da’MaRoJo Studio. Tell us a bit of the goal and the view of Da’MaRoJo.
A- Da’MaRoJo is a collective composed of artists dedicated to the publishing and support of the members. With 10 years in the business of comic books and have more than 20 publications out in the public, among other things.
We started this venture for fun and a way to make our dream come true, but seeing the response from the public to our product, made us take this more serious by setting a goal that, as a studio, to take our product out of the island and introduce ourselves in the American market.
Q- You also go as Kimasogi. Tell us what does it mean and where it came to be.
A- When I said I love all aspects of arts I was not lying. That includes Martial Arts, which was a great passion of mine, I practiced for many years and even had my own school. Kimasogi is a word in the Korean language (The martial art I practice was Tae Kwon Do, inside the Jhoon Rhee system) that means horse to stand. Is a fighting stance. When I first opened an email account that is the first word that came to mind and it became almost like branding to me.
Q- What is the most precious achievement or memory you cherish while working in this industry?
A- To see the reaction that my poems produce to the people that read them.
I never write thinking that I’m writing poems and never crossed my mind that one day I would publish them. I just write about life experiences since I was 12 years old, to me writing is like an emotional gateway. So when people react to them, they sometimes cry, sometimes they laugh or just start talking and sharing their own experience and feeling, there’s a connection between us in a special way and make me feel that all I’ve lived and written was worth the effort.
Q- Is there a possibility for a continuance or an expansion with Kenny from Kenny el Gato?
A- There are plans for Kenny, more stories to tell, and the introduction of other characters.
Q- Is there a piece of advice you want to give future artists and writers?
A- The same thing I always said to the students at my TKD school, you can be whatever you want to be, but the basis of success is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and more PRACTICE
Q- Anything thing else you want to add up?
A- People, live your dreams, enjoy life to the max, and support the local talent
If you want to learn more about Maribel Texidor a.k.a. Kimasogi, you can check the links below. I big thanks to Maribel on answering the questionnaire. It is so much fun to continue meeting and learning about fellow artists, writers and so on. Like always, I hope you have an excellent time with your work. Hope it blossoms and that all your goals can be achieved.
Pages:
Damarojo: https://www.facebook.com/damarojostudios
Kimasogi: https://www.facebook.com/Kimasogi
Damarojo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damarojostudios/
Damarojo Twitter: https://twitter.com/DamarojoStudios
Contact: Kimasogi@gmail.com