We recently connected with Mary Kuznetsova and have shared our conversation below.
Mary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Ever since I was little, I have memories of coloring and painting on any surface(i.e. blank canvas), cutting up clothing to turn into a design of my own, and seeing life a little differently than others. I’ve always been an artist, whether I consciously knew it at the time or not, and it’s always been a source of great happiness for me.
Though, little girls grow up and the education system coupled with societal pressures can alter one’s way of thinking. For a long time, I was told, “You can’t make money as an artist,” as well as many other unsupportive and discouraging comments, and for a long time, I believed that. It was ingrained in me so deeply, that I truly thought in order to “make something of myself”(and to be worthy to others), I needed to pursue a profession in education, business or…the medical sector. Like my mother. Do you see where I’m going with this?
My father, a technician for a notable airline, was very adamant about my going into healthcare, but he didn’t know what he was asking of me, as he’s never experienced what it’s like to get a doctorate.
Funnily enough, of all people, my mother, a licensed clinical psychologist and former Director of a notable hospital for over a decade, encouraged me NOT to go into healthcare. Because she does know what that experience is like. And I am and will be forever grateful to her. All you need is that one person, to plant that seed of possibility in your mind, and it can change the course of your life.
Now, healthcare is a very admirable profession to go into and I have a deep respect, admiration and appreciation for all healthcare professionals and I do not begrudge anyone going into that profession. It is not easy, it takes years of study and hard work. For a long time, I thought I’d become a nurse or technician, but it wasn’t because that’s what was in my heart. It’s what was in my head. The logical side of me was saying, “Do it for the money.” But personally, money doesn’t sustain passion or love. For me, seeking that profession was based in fear and greed. “Do it for the security,” but what job is secure?
What IS a “regular job”? To me, work is work. You get paid and you go home. Why not do something meaningful and fulfilling to you that adds beauty to this world? Not everyone can be a doctor. Or should be. I know that’s not my calling or my gift.
“Do what you love, and the money will follow,” my mother always said. You have this one, sacred life. We don’t get more time. Spend it wisely. Do what you love. What drives you. What makes you happy. I promise, doors that you didn’t even know were there will open for you to a whole world of magic. Otherwise, you are doing a disservice to yourself, to your creator and to whatever God you believe in.
Don’t think about what others are doing, or what is “easy” because nothing worth having in this life is easy. It’s not easy to become a nurse and it certainly isn’t easy to become an artist. Neither are without mental, physical, emotional AND financial struggle. Pick your struggle.
I have friends that are nurses, technicians, EMTS, etc, who have worked on projects with me, for various reasons. They tell me they use it as an escape, and I can understand why. After COVID? After the things they see on a day to day basis? It wears on you and takes a toll. Though, it doesn’t have to be an escape. It can be a career.
I have an interest in studying acupuncture. Who knows? I could still go to school for it, but it’s because I want out of interest and having experienced the healing power of it, not because I have money as a primary focus. Though, that is not to say that money is not important and I do think women should be financially independent.
Personally, I am so happy and fulfilled in my work as an artist and creative in the fashion, media and entertainment industry. I am so blessed to have met and built a community with so many incredible, beautiful souls over the last 15 years. I know now that this is how I was meant to help people.
Every single day, the good and the not-so-good, I thank God, my mother and myself for choosing to become an artist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Mary Kuznetsova, I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, arguably one of the biggest art hubs in the world, call me biased. I’ve been surrounded by creatives of all types since I was a child and I’ve had the honor of immersing myself in their beautiful worlds. I’ve always tried to be an active part of this industry and strive to continue to do so in some way or another.
It really started with being awarded the Crickett Brown Glad Creative Genius Scholarship and a merit scholarship through the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and then attending their San Francisco location for an Associates in Fashion Design and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management. Later, having the honor of working for Alexandria Von Bromssen of Project Runway, after many years of sewing courses with Eva Bromssen, as well as an internship with Jake Wall of Project Runway after taking his course at FIDM. Meanwhile, I was studying Shaolin Kempo through the United Studios of Self Defense. After becoming a Shodan, or first degree black belt, I used what I learned to help and empower women, friends, and colleagues at school, teaching workshops and classes.
Later, I went on to work with Vesey Exclusive, a mens suiting company based in San Francisco and then to work with Byer CA and GAP, until COVID came and the job market became a nightmare. It completely turned my life upside down, as it did for many people. Scrambling to find a way to make a living, I was on job sites, and Backstage was one of the few places that I was getting consistent work during the two years after covid started.Through there, I built my resume and network with industry giants in not only fashion, but other sectors such as technology and prominent figures in the film industry and now I am able to work freelance, with consistent work, as an actor, model, coach, designer, stylist, assistant, creative director, dancer, fight choreographer, and so much more. I am so grateful for the flexibility and the unique opportunities this career has to offer and I look forward to what the future has in store. To those of you reading, I am here for all your creative needs, be it an event or a feature film, let’s talk about your vision. I would love to be a part of your project and I hope to be considered.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
There are so many rewarding aspects of being an artistic creative, but one would have to say that the most rewarding would be the endless education. I am constantly learning from people from all parts of this great, big, beautiful world. Each person holds a completely different and unique universe inside them, created from different upbringings, cultural/religious backgrounds, education and personal experiences.
Working with them, getting to know them, and ultimately learning from them, is so rewarding. It’s an education in and of itself. It’s absolutely refreshing and enlightening. To be a welcomed part of their world is an honor and a blessing, yet another rewarding aspect. The list goes on, honestly.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn was “coloring inside the lines”. I had to teach myself how to color outside the lines. As a young girl, we had those coloring books and unless you colored inside the lines, it “wasn’t right” or “was ruined”. Words like that can be soul crushing to the free-flowing creative spirit of a child. After that, it really changed how I created my own art and how I looked at and approached art for a long time. To think of the power that those words had over me is sickening, so much so that I needed to break away from that mentality and relearn how to color outside the lines. Think outside the box. There are no lines. There are no limits. Not with art or creativity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryk.ontrary/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000608138811
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykuznetsov/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maryk.ontrary
- Other: Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/marykuznetsova
Image Credits
Photographers in order of photos seen:
Oleksandr Skalozubov
Violaine Lenoir
A.J. Tedesco
Michael Clifford
Jason Asuncion
Cari Courtright
Paul Tocatlian
Vic Schaefer
Nikhil Khanna