Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Margot Dermody. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Margot, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
From Business to Art: My Creative Journey
From a young age, my innate creativity flourished as I explored various artistic avenues, including ceramics, photography, cooking, sewing, and music. Guided by intuition, I constantly sought new ways to experiment and express myself. Initially, my career path led me into the hospitality industry, fueled by dreams of travel and a business-oriented mindset. Working in sales and marketing for hotels in vibrant locations such as New York, Barbados, and Boston, I immersed myself in the industry.
As life unfolded, settling in Nashville and embracing motherhood, my professional journey took an unexpected turn. A teaching position at Belmont University provided an outlet for my creativity, allowing me to design courses, mentor students, and contribute to academic journals. Yet, my entrepreneurial spirit called, propelling me back into business. Real estate became my new venture, seamlessly blending my love for transient accommodations in the hospitality industry with the permanence of homes. Within this domain, I relished the freedom to infuse creativity into my work, developing the vision of “Blending the Business and Art of Real Estate,” which shaped my approach and practice.
The opportunity to relocate to Pittsburgh became a pivotal moment—a chance to pursue my artistic aspirations. This marked the true beginning of my journey as a professional artist. Establishing a daily art practice became an integral part of my life, providing a nurturing space for my creativity to thrive. An artist residency at the Pittsburgh Glass Center helped me expand my practice with new materials and skills. Courageously showcasing my work in juried shows exposed it to the world and allowed me to hone my craft. Witnessing my art resonate with others and finding a place in different spaces evoked joy and fulfillment.
My journey into the art world has been a culmination of lifelong creative yearnings, a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, vulnerability, and an unwavering dream to dedicate myself to bringing art into the world.
Margot, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Bridging Art and Emotion with Light, Shadow, and Life Inspiration
Margot Dermody is an intuitive artist, painter, and sculptor represented by Mark Rengers Gallery and PXP Contemporary Gallery. My creative journey has been further enriched by my role as an international best-selling author. My article ‘Courage to Create – The Way of Peace’ is featured in The Creative Lifebook 2023, and I’ve recently contributed to the collaborative book Radical Freedom, which became a #1 International Bestselling Book in August 2024. I am dedicated to inspiring others by infusing spaces with energy and beauty through my artistic transformations, bridging the natural world with human emotions.
My work has been prominently displayed in solo shows at the Women United Art Movement and the Pittsburgh Federal Courthouse, and in group exhibitions at renowned venues such as the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media, and Mark Rengers Gallery. My participation in the Artist Residency Program at the Pittsburgh Glass Center in 2021 has been a significant milestone, allowing me to further explore my craft as a studio artist.
What sets me apart is my commitment to bringing light and freshness to life through my art. By exploring the dance of light and shadow, I strive to reveal beauty in the shadows and connect deeply with viewers through my abstract expressions.”
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Surviving Kidnapping: The Power of Creativity and Calm
In a life-changing moment, I survived a kidnapping by an ex-police officer from Minnesota. It was a harrowing, three-hour ordeal that took place on a lovely spring day in Brentwood, Tennessee. As I sat working in my parked car, a man in black approached, claiming I had dropped something. Before I could react, he forced his way in, knife in hand, and threatened my life. As we drove aimlessly, he demanded money, and when he produced a bomb, I knew any physical escape was futile. Relying on creativity and calm, I negotiated for my life, ultimately convincing him to let me withdraw money from my bank. I kept my composure, ensuring the teller suspected nothing, and after handing over the cash, he removed the bomb and fled, leaving me physically unharmed but forever changed.
Two weeks later, he was apprehended in Sacramento, California. Despite being charged with seven felonies, it took two years in jail before he was found not guilty by reason of insanity due to untreated bipolar disorder. This experience reshaped my outlook on life, underscoring the importance of presence, creativity, and compassion. My journey from that traumatic day to now is a testament to resilience and the profound impact of moral beauty. I channel my energy into art and celebrate life, hoping my story helps others recognize the power of creativity and awareness in the face of danger.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Illuminating Humanity: A Creative Journey Rooted in Compassion and Connection
My creative journey is driven by a deep commitment to self-discovery and exploration. Art is my avenue for weaving together my unique voice, purpose, and passion. I believe in being present in the moment, focusing on the here and now, and celebrating my achievements along the way. My goal is to keep my art fresh and alive, constantly evolving with curiosity and energy.
With courage and vulnerability, I aim to create connections between human emotions and the natural world. My work navigates memories and growth through abstraction, revealing internal feelings that are just beyond visibility. I explore the dance of light and shadow in my paintings and sculptures, asking how we can find beauty in the shadows and bring fresh light into life. This mission fuels my creative practice and drives me to continuously seek new ways to express and connect through art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.margotdermody.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margotdermody/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margotdermody/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/margotdermody
- Twitter: N/A
- Yelp: N/A
- Other: Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/Margot.Dermody
Image Credits
First photo of me at the Fluid Exhibition, 2024
Mark Rengers Gallery
Anita Buzzy Prentiss
Photographer
Last photo outside with White Water Paintings
Julie Kahlbaugh
Photographer
Others taken by me