Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marteja Bailey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marteja, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I never thought I could be an artist. A lot of self doubt existed within my past self. Once I had my daughter, I went through a pretty heavy postpartum depression. I struggled with depression my whole life really. So, a lot of my art is a reflection of all my sadness, my doubt, my everything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I read somewhere of people who exist as happy spirits and sad souls, I would say I am one of those people. I started painting almost two years ago, consistently that is. Prior to that, I only painted for fun. I would talk myself out of anything more than “just for fun” until PPD, and then after that I just needed to do something to reconnect with myself. I can’t really say I lost myself after having my daughter because I never actually knew myself to begin with. She was actually my introduction to myself and to who I was meant to be. She is my world, art is my life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I like this question only as a means to highlight where I come from. I’m from Dayton, Ohio originally. You could look up a place called WestDale. That’s where I’m from, that’s what I grew up seeing until we moved. My entire family is rooting for me and pushing me to keep going. I think when you come from something like that, it keeps you with a grateful mindset. Every Opportunity I get as an artist, I’m always grateful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Showing my daughter she can reach her wildest dreams. I don’t crave anything more than that. I want her to grow up seeing a thriving, happy mom. That’s my goal. It definitely keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.artbymarteja.com
• Instagram: _artbymarteja