Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Miriam Moran . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Miriam , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
Yes I most definitely wish I started my career sooner. Dealing with low self-esteem growing up or thinking you only can work 9-5 can play a huge role of delay in your gift. I remember going to high school in St.Michaels Maryland and allowing the guidance counselor at the time to discourage me into thinking that being an artist is not a career. It put an emotional hold on me that brought even more doubt in my heart in my life journey in my early 20s. It was like a domino effect mentally allowing others to project their lack of support or their insecurities of their dream to distract my gift and delaying what was already in me to achieve. But one thing that is amazing in this thing call life that it’s never too late to go for your dreams and inspire one to do the same.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
New York-born, I was brought up in the Stapleton projects aka the home of Wu-tang clan neighborhood (STATEN ISLAND). I didn’t have the same privileges that well developed professional artists in this industry may have. I first had to go through a lot of hurdles even to this day as a self-taught female artist with a God given gift. I started my art journey first using art as a form of therapy for me in 2015 in Cambridge, Maryland. Much like one of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo, my hardships and God led motivation has driven me to pursue my artistry. I experience many painful trials from domestic abuse, homelessness and health tribulations at a young age that has motivated me to become a full time artist because art was a safe place for my mental. Recognized from afar from the start of my artistic journey has been inspirational especially when I’m just posting my art on social media outlets from the great music legend Marvin Gaye sister Zeola Gaye, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali to Eastern shore civil rights activist Gloria Richardson Dandridge. Inspiring my art followers in a huge way with my paintings towards past honor historic art that led to multiple murals to come into fruition to pay homage to Harriet Tubman and more in the Eastern Shore area. But the reality is that Latin artists especially female Latina creators as myself are still not truly supported in this career field yet ideas are always being used by other creatives whom are inspired and have more support financially to bring the ideas into fruition as their own and benefiting their specific business. At times it can be challenging when artist owned businesses like myself are not able to create there stories from their own voices through art in a larger platform. That is what sets me apart from others is that I genuinely want to break barriers and shine light with my artistry to the voice less. I’m proud of how I’m showing up for my art business by advocating and consistently growing towards my dreams of owning my own art studio and art center for diverse artists whom need art equal business & creative opportunities. I want my past and present to inspire all women, men and children of diverse backgrounds to embrace life and hardships by turning paint into God’s directed purpose but also voicing to take our art business serious regardless of our ethnicity and background. Our time, skills, effort is value and to know our worth in this career field. We can promote art but most of all promote advocacy to art education importance in our communities and support your local black and brown art entrepreneurs whom are building from ground up.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
There were many times over the years even current times that I had to pivot in my business as a full time Artist. It’s definitely an importance in balancing health and career. I have had a lot of health challenges from Lupus to chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. But it has always reminded me of being grateful for being alive, and that is what has given me the energy to keep inspiring with my artistry career. Work can take your mind off your illness, but you also can struggle with Artist block as a creator when you focus on heavier matters in life. This does not mean you ignore the times when you are really feeling unwell. You just don’t let it consume you and take away your choices. There will be good days and bad days. So be kind to yourself on the bad days, and accept the limitations that may present themselves, especially if you want to save your energy for you or your family. But keep those dreams going one day and at a time because art is healing.
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.
I think non-creatives don’t fully appreciate our creative work. Speaking from testimony in my art journey I’ve seen people whom do not have a creative union spirit criticize whenever diverse artwork is being invested in our community as if it not needed or it’s not fixing real life problems. At times they don’t fully understand the spiritual healing and the benefits of art as a whole on what it brings. Non-creatives usually don’t realize how hard being creative is like spending on art materials, sacrificing our time and our amazing skills formed from years of experience. For most of us it’s judgment that art is just an a hobby and not worth the cost or investing. Art is powerful because it can potentially influence our culture, politics, and even the economy. When we see a powerful work of art, you feel it touching deep within your core, giving us the power to make real-life changes. The truth is that art is more than just my practice , it is a way of life. Art is more than just a skill, it is a passion. Art is more than just an image, each one tells a story. At the end of the day, life is not about what you have and what you’ve accomplished, non-creative or creative, you can always make a difference. Support one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myArtistMiriamMoran.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistmiriammoran
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/artistMiriamMoran
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/phKN6Ymc9Ik
- Other: https://www.myeasternshoremd.com/dorchester_star/news/artist-aims-to-inspire-youth-with-mural/article_b5579c72-8cf7-5e8c-9b1e-99b3d944175f.html http://downinggross.org/foyer-miriam-moran http://www.delmarvalife.com/delmarvalife/community/local-artist-holds-breast-cancer-awareness-painting-events/ https://www.shoremonthly.com/post/coloring-our-world
Image Credits
(Photo taken for only first personal image ) Jonathan Moran photography