Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MarkAnthony Love. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, MarkAnthony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I’m thankful that I’ve been able to support my career and family as an artist. I believe artist work harder than most, being a professional Artist is a life full of ups and downs but I believe in “anything worth having is worth fighting for.” Hard work always pays-off. I started off as most creatives do, delaying my dream out of fear of failing. I talked myself out of my dream without even trying but what is meant for you, You can never run from. Art is Life for me. I always enjoyed Visual Art wether drawing and doodling as a child, or moving furniture in my home at seven years old, because I felt the rooms needed something,(not always to my mothers liking) But when I started high school my creative juices took on another form I began diving into all forms of art wether it be design, photography or painting. I even enjoyed repurposing found objects, once again (not always to my mothers liking) bringing home benches and old chairs. In high school I found myself exploring and diving into anything art but at the end of high school I fell for photography, so after graduating I attended F.I.T. in NYC. But as a student I could never focus. I knew there was more of me to express and so I thought about all of the ways I enjoyed being expressive. Photography, painting, up-cycling, drawing. I took classes on all my loves at the university of (YOUTUBE) I think I watched every video geared to my loves at the time. I also reached out to creatives I enjoyed following via social media. I would message them questions or invite them to lunch to pick their brains I even offered my services In the form of an internship. I’m never afraid to open myself up to something new. Of course my start was rocky but I always found ways to navigate the art world my way. Depending on others to make your career happen is not always the best way in my opinion and so I took odd jobs to fund and propel my dream until my dream became reality. I made a website and put myself out there as a photographer and sold my upcycled pieces via online and to my friends and family including my art. After sometime I started to find my voice in my work by creating artwork that incorporated all that I enjoyed to do and that turned into what I do now which is “functional art’ aka mix-media artwork with a function wether a mirror, bluetooth speaker, lamp or storage etc. but always with a message of self love. I want to live my life intentionally so my profession should be included. So being that I love living life out the norm. I started selling my work on the streets and subways of NYC also local markets awhile navigating the insane world of art, dealing with art exhibitions and galleries. I spent years networking and building my skills as an artist. I then had the idea of creating a mobile gallery of some sort, so I bought a trailer and converted it into my own “art truck” and now I bring Art to the people. I enjoy meeting people and talking about art and how they can use my art to heal and grow. Its amazing that I have the joy of sharing my art in such a way. I never want to wake up from my dream.
MarkAnthony, 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 a professional visual artist who wants to live life intentionally and so I add truth and love into my work. I travel the country and the world via my art. I create one of kind pieces of artwork that incorporates function, such as bluetooth speakers, mirrors, lighting and storage I create works of art that allow you to feel and grow while enjoying the work itself. I add function to allow the viewer to engage into the work allowing them to learn something about themselves in the process, My work allows us to open up about ourselves and ask questions that often go unasked. My work is essentially an open love letter to myself in which I want to share with the world. I’m never about doing it for fame or money, from day one its always been about the Art and always will be. I believe that’s why so many people continue to connect to my work.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
knowing that all the sacrifice was worth it. The days of uncertainty the days of rejection and self doubt all was worth it. I kept working on the goal being consistent I believe led to my success. If you have a dream It can’t be fulfilled if you stop short. I know It sounds easy but its far from it. I had to wether a storm but after I came out a better artist for it.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The mission for me is to lend a hand to other artist starting out or having difficulty finding their own way in the art world. I know I needed at so many points in my career. So being the guiding force would be another dream for me to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marktheartisan.com
- Instagram: @marktheartisan
- Facebook: @marktheartisan
- Twitter: @marktheartisan
Image Credits
MarkAnthony McLeod