Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariah Greenhoff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mariah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I feel like every project is meaningful and unique in its own way. I tend to bounce back and forth between mediums for a few weeks at a time. When I’m used to working with only clay for a few weeks, oil painting feels fresh and exciting. Color is often the last step in the process when working with clay because glaze doesn’t happen until the tail end of the process. It’s refreshing to start the painting process by mixing color right away. It activates a different part of my creativity and strengthens my relationship with color.

This is part of the reason I find it important for myself to work with different mediums. Working with paint makes me more interested and excited about color. I can then bring the color theory I’ve learned from my painting into my glaze practice. After working on a flat canvas for so long it’s a huge relief to get my hands into some clay. I can physically push the clay into the shape I want with my actual hands instead of a tiny paint brush. The sensory experience from each different process feeds my desire to continue working, learning, and making more art. The more practice I find time for, the better I understand the materials and the easier I can manipulate the paint or clay to say exactly what I want it to. In this way, each project is meaningful and I learn a lot every time I make something new.

Mariah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m always making art. My free time is spent in my home studio experimenting, making sculptures out of clay, and painting. Making art has been a priority and passion since I was very young. I always knew I wanted to study fine arts in college and I chose to study at Augustana University (Sioux Falls, SD). It was here that I fell in love with ceramics, painting, and printmaking.
Recently, I’ve started purchasing studio equipment to improve my home studio and grow my art practice. I also joined a local woodfire group called Glencoe Ceramics. We fire as a group several times a year and participate in art festivals to engage with the community. This has taught me a lot about the wood firing process and connected me with a community of makers like myself.

As a young, emerging artist I’m constantly learning and growing. I love bringing something from my imagination into reality; whether that be with clay, paint, or printmaking. Making things and enjoying the process is an important expressive outlet for my ideas and emotions.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Making art is the goal! My mission as an artist is to quite simply continue making art. I want to continue living a life that prioritizes the time and space for me to be creative. I hope to make enough art to then share it with the community. Whether that be through art fairs, exhibitions or classes. I hope to find a way to engage with the community and share what I’m making with others.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Buy local art! If you can’t afford to buy art you can support the artists by following them on social media, as well as liking and sharing their posts. Local art fairs are a great opportunity to show support. Just by showing up you can help make the event successful. You can also keep an eye on your local gallery exhibitions and go see art in person. There are very often gallery openings that you can attend for free. Additionally, you could take art classes hosted by local working artists who are happy and willing to teach you the techniques that make their craft successful. I would highly recommend taking classes if you can afford it!     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mariahgreenhoff.com
• Instagram: @mariah_greenhoff
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariah.greenhoff/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAuJCsKkPLzX1PxYvl2cCg
• Other: https://www.glencoeceramics.com/

Image Credits
All images were taken by myself, Mariah Greenhoff.