Patricia Velásquez de Mera, formerly Patricia Velásquez Villacís (Guayaquil, Ecuador, 1974), is an Ecuadorian poet, novelist, and visual artist. She began her literary career with the novel El Porvenir de Aniata (1996) and later published poetry collections such as Entre dos ríos (2001) and Mapa de amor y de dolor (2007) under her married name, Patricia Velásquez de Mera. In addition to her literary accomplishments, she embarked on a painting journey at age 45, adding a new dimension to her artistic expression. Often using the pseudonym “Dagor” for her online poetry and art, Velásquez de Mera’s work explores themes of love, existence, and human emotion, seamlessly blending her literary and visual artistry into a unified creative vision.
Early Life and Education
Patricia Velásquez Villacís (born March 6, 1951, in Guayaquil, Ecuador) grew up in a large family of nine children, where she was the sixth. Her father was a public figure—a lawyer, politician, university professor, judge, and journalist—while her mother was a homemaker. This environment, filled with intellectual and political conversations, played a significant role in shaping her artistic and literary aspirations. From a young age, she displayed a deep love for writing and art, nurtured by her fond memories of childhood, such as watching the stars from her balcony and writing poems that would later influence her creative endeavors. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future career as a multigenre artist, grounded in both literature and the visual arts.
Literary Career
Patricia Velásquez Villacís launched her literary career in 1996 with her debut novel El Porvenir de Aniata, published by Abrapalabra Editores. This novel, written under her birth name, immediately showcased her talent for philosophical reflection on existence, love, and mortality. El Porvenir de Aniata was highly regarded for its introspective narrative, where Velásquez blended prose and poetry to explore the complexities of life and death. The novel’s meditative tone and emotional depth established her as a significant voice in Ecuadorian literature, gaining critical attention for its unique blend of intellectualism and emotional resonance.
In 2001, she followed up with Entre dos ríos, a poetry collection that reflects her ties to two geographic and cultural landscapes—the Mississippi River in the United States and the Guayas River in Ecuador. The poems explore themes of identity, displacement, and the flow of time, combining classical poetic structures with free verse. Entre dos ríos solidified Velásquez’s place in Ecuadorian literary circles, with pieces such as “Nueva Orleáns,” “Inconsolable,” “Gitana,” and “Trade Gris” reflecting her lyrical mastery and philosophical depth.
By 2007, she published Mapa de amor y de dolor under her married name, Patricia Velásquez de Mera, marking a shift in her public identity. This poetry collection, co-edited by Andrea Silva Velásquez, delves into the emotional landscapes of love and pain. With a more personal and intimate tone, Mapa de amor y de dolor continues her exploration of the human condition, especially the intersection of love and suffering, themes she had begun to develop in her earlier works.
In addition to her individual publications, Patricia Velásquez Villacís’s poetry was included in the 2011 anthology Cantos a Guayaquil, edited by Germán Arteta Vargas. This comprehensive collection celebrates the city of Guayaquil, featuring works by numerous poets paying homage to the city’s history, culture, and people. Velásquez’s contribution further solidifies her significance in Ecuadorian poetry and reflects her deep connection to her hometown.
Visual Art and Multidimensional Creativity
In addition to her literary achievements, Patricia Velásquez de Mera (also known as Dagor) is an accomplished visual artist. She began painting at the age of 45 and has since found profound joy and fulfillment in the process. Her art is closely tied to her sense of nostalgia and personal memory, with many of her paintings evoking the imagery of her childhood, such as the plum tree she associates with her youth. Velásquez describes her studio as a “multicolor space of open doors and windows,” where art flows freely, and creativity knows no boundaries.
Her painting process is highly personal and interactive; she often speaks to her paintings, waiting for them to “respond” before she considers them complete. She prefers working with oils, which allow her to explore a subject over multiple days, uncovering deeper philosophical meanings as she paints. Her art is not merely about representation but about creating emotional experiences that resonate with the viewer, just as her poetry does. Velásquez also uses acrylics and watercolors, each medium allowing her to express different aspects of her emotional and creative landscape. She views art as a journey into the unknown, much like writing, where she acts as a medium channeling forces of creativity.
In 2009, she participated in the National Arts Program in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a piece titled WHY?, also known as AFRICA NEEDS PEACE!. Her work earned third place in the Adult Professional category and was displayed at the Avery Upchurch Government Complex from December 3, 2009, through January 11, 2010. This achievement highlights her versatility as an artist, showcasing her ability to convey powerful messages through multiple creative disciplines.
Personal Life
After marrying, Patricia Velásquez Villacís adopted her husband’s surname and became known as Patricia Velásquez de Mera, the name she now uses professionally. She is a mother of three and a grandmother of five, roles she describes as being deeply fulfilling and central to her identity. Her personal experiences of motherhood, family life, and relationships greatly influence the emotional depth and themes of love, loss, and human connection in her literary and artistic works.
In addition to her literary career, Velásquez de Mera began painting at the age of 45, a passion she describes as a transformative journey, bringing joy and purpose to her everyday life. She currently balances her roles as a writer, painter, and family matriarch, continuing to explore creative and philosophical themes in her personal and professional life.
Selected Works
- El Porvenir de Aniata (1996) – Novel
- Entre dos ríos (2001) – Poetry Collection
- Mapa de amor y de dolor (2007) – Poetry Collection
References
- Patricia Velásquez de Mera Blog, “Entre dos ríos.” Retrieved on October 23, 2024. Click to view.
- PUCE Library Catalog, “Entre dos ríos.” Retrieved on October 23, 2024. Click to view.
- ISBN Cloud, “Mapa de amor y de dolor.” Retrieved on October 23, 2024. Click to view.
- Facebook, “Patricia Velásquez de Mera (Dagor) – About.” Retrieved on October 23, 2024. Click to view.
- Fine Art America, “Patricia Velásquez de Mera – About.” Retrieved on October 23, 2024. Click to view.
- Universidad de Guayaquil Catalog, “Cantos a Guayaquil.” Retrieved on October 23, 2024. Click to view.