We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marifel Bermudez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marifel below.

Marifel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’d have to say I knew as young as 12 years old. I’ve always had interests in video games, fashion design, and creating/tinkering. Growing up my parent’s financials were tight but they were able to make sure my sister and I were taken care of in their own ways. When they’d ask us what we wanted for our birthdays or Christmas I was never really inclined to ask for a video game system or any sorts, instead, I’d ask for starter art supply kits. I’d spend hours learning the fundamentals of art and applying what I learned to each medium I picked up. In between my art sessions, I’d shadow my father in his work shed, which sparked my interest in applying creative problem-solving with woodworking and general building skills. When I was 14 my parents gifted me a Brother sewing machine in which I self taught myself how to sew through Youtube videos. This is when I started applying multiple mediums to an art piece. My early interest was in wearable art, I’d paint on hand-me-down fabrics, try recreating patterns from clothing, and sew together a new 1/1 unique piece. During my high school career, it was fate that my school adopted a Visual Performing Arts Program—this is where I met my first mentor, Jamea-Richmond Edwards. She fostered the belief that I could pursue a career as an artist. I always knew art was going to be a part of my life forever, but having someone to guide me into believing that I could make a living from it changed my perspective. It was no longer viewed as a hobby for me, I claimed the title “artist” in my junior year of high school. I applied myself to growing and improving my craft. Throughout all the departments and applicants, I was awarded the 2015 Jim Henson Scholarship which helped send me to college where I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Digital Fabrication. The rest that followed was greatness and of course more art!

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.

As a formal introduction, my name is Marifel Bermudez. Also known as Marivella or Mune. I am a proud first-generation Filipino American artist. It was an uphill battle establishing myself as a professional artist, the strain started with my parents. It’s not that they didn’t believe in me, not at all. It’s the simple fact that they’re immigrants who just wanted to see their children not have to fend. I understood that, but was still firm on pursuing my dreams.

Going against the grain didn’t make it any easier. Many times it almost felt as if I was making my moves in secret, only sharing my successes as they came. Once I was making a bit of profit, they had materialized proof this was possible. It lifted a weight off my chest. Once I established myself in my parent’s home, the art community in my hometown, I expanded into the Washington D.C. area. My experience establishing myself as a freelance artist in the Washington D.C. area has been an uplifting experience. The community of creatives in this city are absolutely supportive. As long as you exude passion for your craft, people will have your back. The passion I display for my craft on my social media platforms grew my business exponentially. I didn’t focus on creating content that revolved around trends. Instead, I created content that displayed my process, introduced projects that I was excited about, and created recaps of events/exhibitions I was a part of. I wanted my followers to join me on my journey and experiences. I consider myself an interdisciplinary artist as my artworks are a range of mediums— from paintings, murals, 3D printed works, fiber tapestries, and (in the works) tattoos. Having multiple mediums allows me to reach clients and followers in different ways: from adorning their walls, to creating unique forms/sculptures, and body art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that I am truly a Renaissance woman, a jack of all trades. I’ve dabbled in every medium, from traditional art to digital art, and hands-on methods such as woodworking, metalsmithing, and ceramics. I’ve learned what techniques I excel in, what inspires me, and what I want to improve on. I’m proud of being able to be a mixed media artist to confidently combine all the different techniques I’ve been exposed to. The process of taking a concept from my imagination, planning it out, and executing it is a type of magic only I have. Above all else, people supporting my art, me as an artist seal the deals. You’re telling me you are visually attracted and can relate to my art?! What an honor.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

The biggest fear I had to overcome on my journey to become a professional artist was: failure. I think anyone who carries a desire for a “self-made” comes face-to-face with the decision to chase their dream. In such a capitalist society that favors corporate American jobs, trust me— I understand the discouragement and fear. At this point I had been 2 years into pursuing my art career, I’ve had commissions and several public murals so I knew deep down I could really do this. I did my best to balance my corporate job during the day and actively make time to create new works, practice new techniques, network within the art community, and apply to open calls. I justified this virtually “no sleep” schedule by telling myself that my day job would allow me to afford my night job. Which was true, but at what cost?— My mental, emotional, and physical health?

Absolutely not.

My spirit and desire to create my professional career as an artist kept me at bay. It eventually took a toll on me. Once I sat down and reflected; I realized if I prioritized one over the other, one side of my commitments would suffer. But what really weighed on me was when I would be too tired or busy from my corporate job to create art. I almost went 5 months without creating. It broke my spirit. When it boiled down to it, I decided that completely committing myself to creating art is what’s best for my mind and body.

I quit my salary job 8 months in. Once I did, all my fears hit at once. I carried so much anxiety thinking that this won’t work out. I reminded myself in addition to taking the first big step to my dream, that I also made the decision to take care of myself.

Let’s take a deep breath, give yourself some grace to rest & recharge Marifel. Everything after that became crystal clear. I created a schedule for myself: studio time, apply to open calls, exercise, fulfill commissions, etc. What came after overcoming the fear, was resilience. I had gotten several “no’s” before I got a “yes”. That “yes” was my first big-name gig with Kaiser Permanente. I had experienced for the first time, that I could sustain my life with just my artistry and that alone lit a fire in me like never before,

Everyone’s situation is different. I encourage everyone to move toward their dreams, even if that looks like a small step day by day. The closer you get to making it a reality, the more the picture paints itself. Build up the courage and take the risk. Create the life you want and fall in love with yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: munestudios.com
• Instagram: @munestudios_
• Other: @marivella__

Image Credits
Joel Caero