We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Drew Michael Marotte Askew Art By Drew a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Drew Michael Marotte , thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
The only life I’ve ever known is being an artist. I’ve been in the performing arts (and arts education) field for decades. I’ve now turned my focus to fine art (mixed media).
While I’ve always wondered what it might be like to have a “regular” job, I’ve never longed to have one. While job security, a steady paycheck and health insurance sound fantastic, I’m simply not suited to it.
Thanks to my creative mind and my ADHD, I am not good at staying in one place (like behind a desk), and operate best in the nighttime hours. I think “outside the box” constantly and consider arbitrary rules laughable. I came to the realization that what works for many, simply doesn’t work for me. So I’d rather have less money and more happiness.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Hi! I’m Drew Michael Marotte and I am Askew Art By Drew. I’ve been in the arts my whole life, focusing (until this point) on the performing arts side. My focus now is on my highly textured mixed media art. I create and sell original art. Many of my pieces are eclectic and celebrate diversity. Diverse media, diverse shapes (my favorite of which being a triangle), diverse concepts and ideas that make each of my pieces unique. I think those things set me apart from most others. You can hang a single triangle, or you can hang several using many different layout options. The consumer gets to choose, and, in a way, express themselves/ their desires through hanging my art. That’s a pretty unique partnership.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having people moved/inspired by my work. I love when people tell me that my piece makes them feel deeply, or remember something in their lives. I love when people smile and enjoy what I’ve created.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
An artist can’t truly separate their life and personal experiences from their art. I’ve experienced a lot of hurt, abuse, and discrimination in my life. I’ve had doors close in my face countless times. After “coming out” in a small town, I lost everything….some family, friends, housing, employment. You name it, I lost it. But I still persisted. I had to pick myself up and my art is a celebration of all that is the antithesis of my experiences. I like to celebrate the fun, whimsical, eclectic diversity, and the joyful things in life!
Contact Info:
- Website: askew-art-by-drew.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askew_art_by_drew/