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

Marina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Absolutely, taking risks is an integral part of growth, not just in art but in life. However, my approach has always been to first grasp the broader picture — a sort of 15,000-foot view, if you will, before leaping into uncharted territories. It’s not about courting risk for its excitement but striking a delicate balance between risk and reward. This philosophy has been a cornerstone of not only my artistic endeavors but my entire career trajectory. Interestingly, my professional journey began in fields quite distinct from art — digital marketing, product, and program management within the pharmaceutical and financial sectors. It was only in recent years that I pivoted more resolutely toward my artistic passions. This isn’t to advocate for a universally cautious path; rather, I believe that a deep understanding of one’s circumstances, coupled with a clear assessment of the opportunities at hand, can guide us toward making more enlightened decisions when it comes to embracing risks.

To illustrate, let me share a personal story from this year. In a twist of fate, I was let go from a prominent financial institution in June 2023. Initially, it felt like the ground had been pulled from under me, a setback that could spell disaster for my career and creative aspirations. However, this unexpected turn became the prelude to the most prolific creative period I’ve known in years. Admittedly, the immediate aftermath was challenging. The uncertainty and upheaval threw me into a creative paralysis that lasted over five months. It wasn’t until October that I began to find my footing again, refocusing on the core passions that drive my work.

Since then, I’ve honed in on my artistic intentions with a clarity I hadn’t experienced before. This period of intense reflection and rediscovery has profoundly enriched my creative process and my relationship with my art. It’s a testament to the fact that even when risks seem to lead us astray, they can also set the stage for remarkable growth and transformation.

Marina, 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?

From a young age, growing up in Columbus, GA, my ambition to be an artist was unmistakably clear. The artistic vibrancy of my hometown, notably influenced by Bo Bartlett, an acclaimed artist with roots in Columbus, played a pivotal role in shaping my early interest in the arts. My formal journey began in the 6th grade, when I started attending secondary classes at Columbus State and continued my education at the Rankin Arts Center. During these formative years, I primarily worked with oils, deeply immersing myself in the craft and laying the foundation for my artistic career.

Despite this passion, my path wasn’t straightforward. As college approached, my family and I faced disagreements regarding my dedication to art, leading to a pragmatic decision to pursue a degree in Economics from Georgia State University. Yet, the pull of art was irresistible, guiding me back to my true calling.

My work today is a synthesis of my extensive artistic influences and experiences. I’ve always held a profound admiration for painters like Bo Bartlett, Thomas Eakins, Francis Bacon, and Egon Schiele, alongside contemporary talents such as Tania Marmolejo, Alina Zamanova, and Cristina BanBan. Moreover, the principles and aesthetics of iconic architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and Eero Saarinen have significantly inspired my approach.

In my current practice, I strive to capture the delicate interplay between the figurative and the structured, achieving a harmonious balance and dynamic momentum within each piece. My preferred medium is Golden acrylics, with a particular affinity for heavy body matte and gloss finishes. The themes and intentions behind my work have evolved over time, transitioning from an exploration of the id and ego to a broader focus on the experiences of non-human species.

What distinguishes my art, I believe, is not just the amalgamation of diverse influences but also the continuous evolution of my thematic explorations. The core of my pride lies in my capacity for growth and adaptation, which enables my creations to mirror not just my personal narrative but also the vast tapestry of collective experiences.

In my most recent series, I delve into the nuanced interplay between ethical considerations and societal norms that influence our interactions with the non-human world. This work sheds light on the harsh realities non-human mothers face, particularly the infringement on their bodily sovereignty and autonomy. It brings into focus the poignant lack of choice these mothers have in the gestation process and the premature, often involuntary, separation from their offspring. This thematic exploration is a stark commentary on the disparities in sanctity and respect afforded to maternal processes across species, urging a reevaluation of our anthropocentric biases and the selective empathy we extend.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to perceive my work as an invitation to engage with the depth and breadth of experiences, both human and beyond. It’s an endeavor to challenge entrenched perceptions, cultivate connections, and celebrate the intricate beauty of existence, underscored by a universal maternal instinct to safeguard life’s innocence. Through the lens of speciesism and its intersections with other forms of discrimination, my art advocates for a broader, more inclusive discourse on compassion and protection, highlighting the critical need for a redefined relationship with the non-human world.

In essence, my work is a reflection on the contrasts and parallels between human and non-human experiences, especially in the context of motherhood and the intrinsic drive to nurture and protect. It’s about questioning ethical inconsistencies and the consequences of human-centered perspectives, all while championing a more empathetic and equitable worldview.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

It’s somewhat humorous; I often joke about blocking anyone on my Instagram who asks about NFTs. Yet, ironically, I’m quite fascinated by the concept. My background in financial services has nurtured a deep appreciation for decentralized finance (DeFi), and I’m convinced that decentralization represents a significant part of our future, both in terms of currency and in business practices.

However, my issue with the current discourse on NFTs is its oversimplification. There’s a prevailing tendency to view NFTs through a very narrow lens, equating them directly with art. This perspective is misleading—NFTs aren’t a replacement for art but rather a tool that enhances and supports it, whether in digital productions or as part of a contract framework.

The real challenge with NFTs at present is the widespread lack of understanding. This gap in knowledge has opened the door to numerous social engineering schemes, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation. It’s this aspect of the NFT space that concerns me the most, as it detracts from the potential benefits and innovations that NFTs could bring to the artistic community and beyond.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the prospect of bringing my work onto the blockchain. I aim to explore innovative ways to incorporate my art with NFTs, especially by melding it with 3D motion design. This fusion not only aligns with the future trajectory of digital art but also opens up new dimensions for my creative expression, allowing for a more dynamic and interactive engagement with my audience.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media has been an instrumental platform for me, not just in building an audience but in fostering invaluable relationships. It’s a powerful tool that has connected me with like-minded individuals and opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise. However, it’s essential to approach social media with a level of prudence, especially for emerging artists. The desire for recognition or financial gain can make one particularly susceptible to missteps.

One critical piece of advice I’d offer is to prioritize good judgment. The digital landscape is vast and varied, and while it offers immense opportunities, it also poses risks. It’s vital to remember that behind every profile, like, and comment is a person. This human aspect of social media is what makes it such a potent tool for connection.

Investing in relational capital is crucial. Nurturing the connections you make, valuing the interactions, and genuinely engaging with your audience can transform a follower count into a community. Our hyper-connected world can sometimes obscure the fact that at its core, social media is about building relationships. Communication—authentic, respectful, and considerate—is key.

For those just starting out, my advice is to be authentic, be consistent, and be patient. Share your journey, your highs and lows, and your creative process. Let your audience get to know the person behind the art. Remember, building a meaningful social media presence is a marathon, not a sprint. Foster your community with care, and it will grow with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marinavalenteart.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina___valente/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinamendenhallvalente/

Image Credits
Featured in one picture with me, is Bay Area artist Deb Shapiro