We recently connected with Marcee Musgrove and have shared our conversation below.
Marcee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Hi, my meaningful project(s) started in 2014 of professional work as an artist. I was actively involved in the art community of Charlotte North Carolina and the Charlotte Arts and Science Counsel reached out to invite me to be a part of their most recent program they created. It was structured to have local artists create 50 pieces of funded by the ASC to future collectors, it was created to introduce locals to meaningful art, educate them on collecting and have a personal and fun experience with art. As you can imagine it was a lot of time and work to create 50 pieces but I chose early on to make each piece though similar in theme, very individualized. I learned a lot about myself as I generally create only original and one of a kind pieces so it was a challenge to keep it interesting and fun without feeling like they were copies in any way. The events were wonderful as each piece was unwrapped by 50 people at the same time, the reactions were priceless and the conversations afterwards were very bolstering and generous. I also must say that the press and in person acknowledgments of the ASC was beautiful and appreciated. Sometimes we feel alone in the art world when we are creating solo in our studios but the check ins, interviews and quality of the event really served connect me on another level with my local art commission. This is one of many public events but you will always remember your first really important one outside of the everyday gallery exhibitions.
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
I am an Abstract and Impressionist Artist painting with Acrylic medium and sometimes Mixed media like inks, papers, pencils and Charcoal. Texture is always incorporated within the creations which pulls you in and makes you want to touch and connect the piece. Because I was raised to be practical, I created all kinds of things over the years for myself and friends. After several sole proprietorships including Tax preparation and Real Estate to name a couple, in 2009 I had an opportunity to say yes to putting all my business knowledge into my art. Many teachers and mentors later I am still going strong and loving the joy and challenges of creating one of a kind pieces. It took almost 5 years to fully become the unique style of creator that I fully and confidently embrace. When I start a piece, I focus on the composition, color and depth, the most fulfillment is in the process of becoming what will influence the completion of the piece and personally allows a sense of joy and freedom while allowing things to occur. The final part is once again bringing it all together following the rules of composition to enhance the emotion, movement and meaningful “things” brought to light during the process. I also work with many Fiber arts, it’s the texture that gets me every time. I connected with others utilizing recycled materials turned into runway fashion for ecoFAB Trash Couture organization. I have always liked the challenges of working with non traditional materials but mostly doing something new, I am very curious and love a good challenge. What I hope for with my art is that you FEEL the emotions evoked from each piece and find something unique in the viewing that is just for you.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I would have to say one of the best parts for myself in being a creative is the fellow creatives and relationships. When you have been creating long enough your ego has a way of stepping aside, they are still your babies but you no longer need to prove worth of any kind. I have enjoyed so many shows and events that involved many other artists and have always found it true that it’s so much better with others in shows, events, etc. We need time alone but the creatives of the world are infinitely interesting to me if they also love what they do.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I would say that it’s most important to get out of your home and studio and meet people where they congregate around art. Go to every event you can, applaud others success, ask them questions or just praise what you like. People are so generous to genuine people and will help you along the way. Ask a lot of questions, place your art everywhere you can so it can be seen in person as this will always represent your art better than any picture. People want to see you, want to talk about your work and you will certainly learn a lot by what they say if you can stay objective and quiet while they tell you. We all yearn for connections, never forget you are still a human and you must and should want to leave your studio to be a part of the world around you. All this said, talk to everyone you know about your joy of creation and what you are up to, stay in touch, your friends want to help you and will be your biggest supporters but you have to ask them to help with very specific requests such as share your posts, come to your openings, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marceemusgrove.art/pagecv
- Instagram: marceemusgroveart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcee.musgrove/