We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marlaina Faye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Marlaina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
When I was young, I started painting as a hobby. It never really occurred to me that I could make a living doing something that brought me so much joy. As a young adult I was drawn to LA to be surrounded by the creative film industry. Soon I met some people who included me in some of their exciting projects. I assisted them in designing sets, costumes, and later painting murals. Upon returning to NYC I decided to begin a faux finishing company where I created custom decorative wall finishes and murals for both Residential and Commercial clients. Later, after my son was born, I realized that travelling and working odd hours was no longer feasible. However, I felt that my creative journey needed to continue so I began to create artwork directly on canvas. This allowed me to have ‘me time’ that everyone needs while remaining close to my son. He would come into my studio and his eyes would light up upon seeing my completed pieces. This made me feel so wonderful and I realized that I could speak to others by sharing my paintings with them. This pushed me to take the necessary steps to show my work in local coffee shops, small art shows and different events around my area.
Marlaina , 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?
When my son turned 2, my husband and I decided to move to Boulder CO to be closer to my brother and his family. We fell in love with the lifestyle and the spectacular scenery. Everywhere I turned there was another inspiration that called to me. I was driving my husband crazy claiming that I had to paint this or that every five minutes. Luckily, I was able to take photos and later create thumbnail sketches that would become my new idea for a piece. About a year into living in the ‘artist’s dreamland’ I discovered the Boulder Open Studios tour where I came across an artist, Jacque Michelle. Her work resonated with me because her style and energy felt like home. Painting alone in my studio all day can be lonely so the thought of surrounding myself with others sounded fantastic. I began painting every week with her and realized even more that this was where I belonged, and I had found my people! I have been painting with JM and many of the same painters for over 8 years. We all give each other an enormous amount of encouragement and help one another with our personal artistic paths. I became a member of (EBCA) East Boulder County Artists, Left Hand Artists Group and Boulder Open Studios. These organizations have been the catalyst I’ve needed to get me out of my private studio and share my work with others.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I want to transport people to a magical place where they feel warmth, happiness, and a sense of belonging. In a world where there are so many challenges in understanding or relating to others on so many levels, it is crucial to me to do my part in bringing people together. My artwork is created with many different mediums that sometimes represent the differences in society. These materials are brought together on one surface to show the harmony that can exist.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I feel like I am lucky to have a skill that can bring smiles to people’s faces. I love to stand back and see something that I created that represents what I feel from within. It is wonderful to be able to love what you do and do what you love. I was born with a little talent and a lot of passion.
Contact Info:
Please contact me via email or phone to schedule a private viewing of my work. Also, I am thrilled to bring pieces to your home to see how they work in your space!
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: marlarinafaye.com
- Instagram: @marlainafaye
Image Credits
Joel Rosen