(Editor's note: Mark McMahon is the founder of Live Your Adventure web site and newsletter. Mark is also a regular contributor to Escape From America Magazine)

Every time I have been to Buenos Aires I have visited the Recoleta Arts and Crafts Fair at Plaza Francia near the Famous (and FOR the famous) Recoleta Cemetery. The Fair is open every weekend and features a huge variety of arts and crafts, plus some wonderfully eclectic entertainment. I met Marga Fabbri there on my very first visit. We have been friends ever since, enjoying discussions on the nature of life, work, and art, while hanging out on the lawn across from her paintings.

Mark for LiveYourAdventure: Congratulations!

Marga Fabbri: [With a huge smile] Thank you so much!

LYA: How long did you study architecture?

MF: For 12 years.

LYA: You mean 12 years studying and working?

MF: No, 12 years of study and certifications. That included a one-year exchange program in Brazil doing a restoration project on an old church.

LYA: How was that?

LYA: And work after your schooling?

MF: About five years. I worked on a few projects and also worked in research at my school. But I did not enjoy working in the profession as much as the schooling. I always knew that I wanted to draw. Architecture seemed like a good way to go about it. 

LYA: So you don’t regret the schooling?

MF: Oh no. My personal style developed from my training. It is who I am. I love architecture.
I just don’t like the work! [laughs]

MF: Yes. My grandfather was my first art teacher. When I was only 6 years old! He was a sculptor and a professor at an art college.

LYA: I love the bright colors in your art, the whimsical style, but you can still really feel the architecture.

MF: My current style has developed over the past 4 years. I first started selling black-and-white drawings.

LYA: So what’s up with the cat?

MF: That’s Tomas. He hangs out with me while I draw, so he ends up in most of my pieces. My little trademark. 

LYA: So you are happy with your new status, unemployed?

LYA: So you made the jump eight months ago. What finally triggered the decision?

MF: Well, I made the decision two years before the jump. I spent that time preparing for the jump.

LYA: Tell me about that.