We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mara Lea Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mara Lea, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I have always had a strong desire to create art. I love drawing and painting people’s faces, but I have been somewhat less interested in the product. When I first came to the Bay Area I completed some portrait commissions, but much preferred drawing a friend’s likeness or spontaneously creating from my memory. I loved going to figure drawing sessions at the amazing 23rd Street Studio in San Francisco. I loved the feeling of being in the moment, but I still had this nagging feeling that I didn’t know what to do with the drawings I produced.
One day, I went to an event in the Mission District of San Francisco, where dozens of artists had been invited to draw and paint on the walls and floor of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts – all completely covered in white paper. The artist and community organizer Adrián Arias dreamt up and led this event, calling it Illusion. This event blossomed in different times and places throughout the Bay Area over several decades. The artists were dressed in all white, and the guests had been asked wear black. There were live musicians, dancers and children running around. The artists were covering the walls with splashes, imprints of their bodies, political statements, photographic collages, and linear and painterly images. Towards the end of the event the guests were also adding their artistic touches to the environment. I started to draw charcoal portraits on one of the walls and ended up creating a large mural. At the end, the paper was to be torn off the walls and thrown away. It was magical! I loved the concept of fully diving into the process of creating art, surrounded by others, and knowing that letting go of the product was a shared goal, and not an unresolved doubt of mine. I was invited to be one of the artists at the following Illusion happening.
Now, when I create art, my approach is community and process-oriented. I love making artistic installations. I enjoy working alongside other artists. I like drawing one-touch in front of others. I prefer projects where I don’t have to think about the fate of the art I produce.
It was very meaningful for me to have been involved in the Illusion project. Thank you to Adrian and all the artists who continually inspire each other!
Mara Lea, 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?
I come from a family of artists and musicians, and have continued our creative tradition throughout my life. I am a visual artist, a bilingual art teacher, and an author of educational books, and a novel about the art of Flamenco dancing. My family moved to Spain from California when I was four years old. Their intention was to spend a year learning about the art, music and culture, but we ended up staying for thirteen years!
As an artist, I am most passionate about highlighting the essence of our human connection through the artistic process. An exploration of identity and community are always subtly present in my expressive portraits and mixed media installations. I blend elements from nature, and motifs, such as roots and wings, to illustrate the beauty and struggle of this search for the self and belonging. I truly enjoy collaborating with community organizations, such as The Marigold Project and the public schools where I teach art. I have been invited to help create Altars for Day of the Dead, often reflecting our emotions and reactions to current world events. The installations created can be simple, or quite complex – always including some of my signature charcoal portraits, paintings and/or sculptures of people. I am fortunate to have an amazing husband and children who are always open to lending an artistic hand, and sharing their expertise regarding wooden infrastructures, sound and lighting. The family tradition continues!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of creating is the process itself. When I draw, paint or sculpt, I feel like everything I know and feel, comes together, and starts to make sense, even if just for a moment.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think everyone is a creative! When people make connections between things they can’t quite put into words or conscious thoughts (yet), they are being creative! Then, some people feel compelled to explore that connection to its fullest extent, and maybe even share the process and/or result with others.
For example, during COVID-19 I drew coloring pages to process my feelings and thoughts, and enjoyed sharing them with others!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maraleabrown.com
- Instagram: @maraleabrown
