We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marly Mcfly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marly below.
Marly , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
I wouldn’t say misunderstood but more undervalued because I don’t meet the expectation that’s often associated with being a Black artist and that isn’t exclusive to myself. Artist of color are put in this “Black Art” sub genre as if what we do doesn’t qualify as art. we’re expected to display or traumas or talk about the “Black struggle” but we are more then that. No two black people are the same. We have our own interests, we love, we have success, we enjoy life, everyday isn’t doom and gloom. I want my art to show our successes and triumphs as much as we are reminded of our tragedies.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Im a self-taught artist.I began pursuing my passion for art as a child drawing everything from cartoons, comics, action figures and athletes.
Drawing influences from my surroundings, i incorporate the ever changing world of pop culture into my work, expressing my inner thoughts and experiences. These are captured through layers of bright bold colors and patterns coupled with popular and relevant images from my childhood which are utilized to express myself.
My work is the perfect mix of two prolific genres of contemporary art; pop and urban street art
Ive successfully exhibited in major international markets including New York, Paris and Tokyo, to name a few and have collaborated with brands such as Nike, the MLB, NBA, Nickelodeon, and Lucasfilms.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Art is one of the most appreciated yet disrespected career paths. Everyone loves what we do but fail to see all that’s involved. Because creatives typically enjoy what they do, non-creatives often devalue or don’t consider what we do work. The average person stuck in a job that might not enjoy isn’t fulfilled the same way we are so to them we aren’t working as hard or are viewed as lazy. I often joke I quit a 9-5 job so that I can work all day. There isn’t a moment of the day that I’m not doing something to further my career. That can be self educating myself to better learn the business, working to further perfect my craft, emails, meetings,reaching out for new opportunities and partnerships, planning future shows I could keep going on my job doesn’t stop there are just small breaks.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being and artist is knowing I’m creating a legacy that will out live myself. I will leave this realm and my presence will still be felt my creations will still be here. There are people who wake up everyday and go to a job who can’t say that. I think about the greats before me who are no longer with us but made the most of their time while they were here.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.marlymcfly.com
- Instagram: @marly_mcfly87