We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marilyn Bradley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marilyn below.
Marilyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I don’t know if there was ever an “AHA!” moment of realization. I have always been creative and loved drawing. I don’t think I even remember a time when I wasn’t elbow deep in paint and crayons as a kid. There have, of course, been a few detours along the way working in “regular” 9-5 jobs, but I’m very lucky to have parents and close friends that have always encouraged me to follow a more creative path. I started to take making art my career more seriously in my late 20’s and slowly made my way into more creative spaces. I left a steady job working in a medical office to work in a local art gallery which really fueled my creativity. It made me realize that I really wanted to take the leap and focus on building my career as an artist full time. I am still on the journey to building a full-time career with my artwork, but I am so excited where I am headed.
Marilyn, 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 am primarily a watercolorist but have recently been moving into mixed media and experimenting with anything I can get my hands on. I tend to work on a smaller scale but have been known to paint a larger piece or two just to give my back a break from hunching over my workspace! I am fascinated by animals, insects and all things green so my work tends to feature subjects in the natural world. Fairy tales and old story books have also had a huge impact on me, and I love including more whimsical elements in my pieces and adding hidden meanings. It feels like creating my own puzzle and finding different pieces that fit together, like telling a story within the painting.
A lot of the pet portraits I have done in the past have always featured a meaningful addition such as the birth month flower of the pet or a loved one, a color representing a feeling or memory, or a little songbird that is a reminder of something lost. Artwork is so personal to begin with so to be able to add just that much more meaning to commissioned pieces really makes it so much more than “just a painting.”
Recently, I have delved into the ever-growing market of polymer clay jewelry and that has opened up a world of creativity. To me, wearable art is such a great way to express your personality and style. I have sold quite a few of my earrings at local markets and love hearing the reactions when people see some of my designs. I hope to eventually combine painting and jewelry to create something totally unique to my style!
I have been told many times that my work feels like it belongs in a story book and that is, quite literally, one the best compliments I could be given. I strive to emulate my favorite illustrations I loved growing up and keep the magic alive for not only myself but for others to enjoy.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
While I believe there are many rewarding aspects of being a creative person, I think seeing the reactions of others’ viewing my work is by far the most gratifying. Like most artists, I am my own worst critic and seeing the joy my work brings to others is such a great feeling. It quiets the doubt in my mind, reminds me why I do what I do and that I do have a voice, however small it may be. In-person markets are always so fun because I get to see people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying my work – even if it doesn’t come home with them!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I don’t think the average person realizes how much art and design is present in their daily lives. Artists have quite literally shaped societies and cultures. And just to compound on that, I don’t think the average person realizes how much time it takes to create just one piece of art. A single painting may only take a certain number of hours but the artist creating it has spent years honing their craft, learning new techniques, and experimenting with materials to elicit the results they are looking for in their work. Becoming an artist doesn’t happen overnight and it’s an ongoing journey through time as we continue to develop our skills. Experience and skill are our bread and butter, and pricing should reflect that. It’s disheartening every time I hear someone say “Why is this so expensive? It’s just paint on a canvas.” or “Why did that take you so long? It’s just a logo and text on a business card.” I could go on and on, but I’ll leave it at this…
We are surrounded by the product of creative minds – never underestimate the power of a good line, a bold color and an artist’s imagination!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/artofembr
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Image Credits
Christina Percario