Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Markus Muse. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Markus , thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I wanted to be an artist when I found out that I could learn about the world through my understanding of art. The world is such a complex place with many moving parts. Art helped me understand the intricate systems of organization that makes up creation as a whole. Just as an example I can draw a shape with just light and dark, that shape, whatever it may potentially become cannot become anything without the dark and the light. Without these basic things nothing can truly exist. Just something as simple as this helps me break down much larger ideas into smaller more digestible ones. Once I knew that my perspective could become healthier through Art I could then dedicate my life to it professionally.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an African American Artist of Nubian decent who identifies with his African roots, culture and history. I have spent most of my life searching for meaning and identity within history and art, travel, education and the sciences. My journey has led me from the lower east side of Oklahoma City to the far reaches of Nubian Villages in Northeast Africa and farther. One thing I have learned is that, if you don’t know where you come from, you most likely won’t know where you are going.

I see and understand that as a tattooer and painter, most people are searching for the same things that I was just in different ways. Some search in the world for purpose, meaning and virtue through art, education, experimentation, drugs and trends etc. Most people, (not all) need just a bit of gentle help with this. In ancient times you would seek a Guru, or sage ( a wise person) a Muse so to speak. In modern times we have tons of helpful people to guide us along the path but there are only a select few who can help one on your very specific journey.

Tattooing has allowed me to be the Muse in regular peoples lives, people who are on an inward journey toward self realization, joy and abiding happiness. We do this because of all of the people we see in and out of the shop daily in pursuit of self expression. This self expression as it were, helps people actually figure themselves out. by exploring their likes and dislikes. The pain and permanency of a tattoo determines for them what they stand for and are willing to advocate for as long as they live. We as tattooers get to experience this alongside the collectors, as we observe in the right way we gain wisdom in the process. This wisdom we can then use to help others doing the same thing.

The end result is creating a community of people who understand themselves, who have purpose and lead a life oriented towards betterment and attaining their goals, whatever they may be. I am so happy to be a part of this shift of consciousness in the world today and that gives me purpose within my life and crafts. I want my art to reflect this knowledge so that the spirit of the inward journey become the new standard and not just a trend. I like many other artists want to give people firm examples of how to do start and maintain their journeys . I believe that the depression, anxiety and dis- ease in the world has a cure and its art.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal for my art as a painter is to connect the dots of African/world history. “The missing pieces of African history is world history” John Henrik Clarke. I research daily and find the portions of African history , distorted or untold in art and tell them on the canvas. I think throughout history, art has been the visual aid for all cultures, whether it be sculpture, pottery, mosaic, or other. These bits of art have defined for many people across the world, who they are and where they come from. It is at the exclusion of the black race that we can find ourselves in historical art and that is a major atrocity for any artist who has eyes and a heart.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have painted in this Historical way for many years now, since 2016 at least. recently I find major artists who are painting the same way. This at first was discouraging to find out that someone is already doing what you through was original to only you. the old saying rings true that there is nothing new under the sun. I thought about stopping my pursuit but I simply could not because I enjoy it and even if no-one understands or purchases or if its not as good as my contemporaries I still have to keep going in this direction. I hope that if you are an artist out there and you are doing something that makes you happy that you don’t stop just because someone else is doing it! do it because it answers questions for you and because it loves you back!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.museartsociety.com
• Instagram: @musear_official @musearttattooco
• Youtube: Muse Tattoos

Image Credits
photo images @driven_keys Kiona Miller and my personal photo is by Lionel Fombe