We were lucky to catch up with Marisa Rapezzi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marisa, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I was taught fairly traditionally in art school, lol. I got my BFA in Art with a minor in Photography from Pace University in NYC and I just finished my MFA in Interior Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
I don’t think there is anything that could have sped up my learning process. Nor do I think learning a craft should be sped up. There is so much beauty in really learning and embodying a craft- I don’t think that can be sped up. Unfortunately we live in this capitalistic hellscape that prioritizes product over process. I hope to always be in the learning/exploratory process of craft, as much as time and privilege allows me.
I think the biggest obstacle that has stood in my way of learning more is money. I know I’m not alone in that and I think it is very unfortunate that art school and art in general is made inaccessible to most due to this reason. Being in this position and being able to afford (at times with help from my community- those of which I am INSANELY grateful for) what I have been able to is such an incredible privilege, I must say. The mental sacrifice at times, due to working numerous jobs, cutting back, and relationship strain has been intense at times as well.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Well hello readers! I’m Marisa Rapezzi. I’m an artist, creative, designer, photographer, whatever you want to call me- based in New York, NY & San Francisco, CA. I have my BFA in Art from Pace University and my MFA in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. In my practice I’m very interested in the small nuances of life that make up our world and our being. I’m very interested in how our surroundings make up the fabric of ourselves and how our bodies maneuver through space. I’m not sure what these investigations of the everyday will bring- however, I’m not worried about the final results, I’m most interested in the process.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
White by Kenya Hard
Specifically Chapter 3 Emptiness
&
Samuel Mockbee’s statement about the Rural Studio
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect for me- I think has to be, being allowed the privilege to really slow down and observe life. Kind of becoming very sensitive and aware of every detail. Though this can be draining at times, I feel it is truly beautiful to be able to have this opportunity to deeply analyze the world around me and express my view of it through different mediums. It is very special, it means the world to me that people care to view my expressions and view what I have to say.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marisarapezzi.com/
- Instagram: @m___ezzi
Image Credits
n/a