We were lucky to catch up with Miss Marshn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Miss, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My first major creative influence in life was my father. He was an artist by trade selling personal and commissioned work as well as creating some of the most incredible/iconic indoor murals in Tucson in the late 90’s early 2000’s. From nearly the youngest age I can remember he began teaching me how to work with different mediums, the fundamentals of shadows and light, color, texture, lettering, dimension. By the age of 11 he’d taught me the basics of how to airbrush and use oil paints. I assisted him on some of his murals and painting the interiors of homes. I spent countless hours watching him pour his subconscious onto canvases and bring entire universes into being. In my early teens I was heavily influenced by skateboard graphics, tattoo magazines, pinup girls and Frank Frazetta’s artwork and would frequently trace or re-draw my favorite designs and pieces. As often as I could, I preferred to be drawing. Anywhere. On anything. I drew on every school assignment I had, every notebook, every desk, every wall, every friend. I experimented and practiced translating my emotions and visions into physical pieces into the wee hours of the morning for many years. In high school I started taking on commissions and painting shoes, bags, clothes, tattoo flash and album artwork for my friends. I painted windows, A-frames and designed shirts for a local boutique I worked at. My creative ventures began to take me down various paths that all served as teachers. Drawing for tattoos taught me structure and composition, tattooing taught me finesse and how to flow. Working in a tattoo shop taught me how to speak up, set boundaries, establish value, run my own show and carry on tradition. Graffiti reinforced all of these, taught me how to overcome anxiety, and how important it is to do things you’re passionate about for yourself, regardless of what someone who doesn’t know you might think. Until very recently I carried this perpetual feeling of being behind or needing to move faster. I’d argue nearly every ‘distraction’ ‘wrong turn’ and ‘side quest’ I’ve been on has in some way contributed to my overall style and skillset and for that I wouldn’t trade a thing. I am right where I am meant to be. I will say, however, that remaining open to new information, perspectives and approach seems to pair well with learning. And allowing yourself time and space to integrate all that you’ve learned. When all of what you’ve accumulated that serves you begins to start conversing with one another, that’s when the real magic happens.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve spent the last 3 years developing a mixed body of work under the name ‘Miss Marshn’ to celebrate the parts of myself that have felt alienated and to share in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. I am a multi-disciplined artist and painter with over 20 years practice currently specializing in bold, otherworldly, mixed medium acrylic and aerosol pieces. My aim is to collaborate with other artists and collectives to celebrate communities, history, diversity and the truly multi-dimensional beings we are. To bring vibrant, thought and emotion provoking mural work to the world. To pay homage and carry on the message of my kin creating pieces inspired by the music, words and works that mentored me. I have a few original paintings and pieces up for sale on my website if you’re interested in adopting and I look forward to expanding my offerings in the near future. There is also a space on my website to reach out with any inquiries and if you have an exciting project you’d like to collaborate on I’d love to hear about it!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Serving as the vessel that brings creation and art into fruition is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me. The visions I am gifted, to uplift and inspire those around me. The ability to alchemize pain, suffering, grief, and rage into something beautiful, enlightening, and entertaining. To share my dreams and inner world with kindred souls that have felt lost, alone and misunderstood. Connecting with other beings through resonance put off by my own creations has been the most fulfilling and heartwarming work I’ve ever been blessed to partake in. I’m very grateful for the role I get to play.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

From my view, the best way for society to support artists is to become a society that truly values what art is meant to show us. As well as understanding and honoring the value of dedicating yourself to a trade, often times multiple trades. The years of discipline and practice required to create with skill, precision and flow. Dedication to nurturing wild, controversial ideas and techniques and the courage to put them out there. The cost of supplies and space to work. I believe that all creatives act as mirrors to the subconscious of our greater collective. Drawing attention to our shadows and blindspots and creating space to feel and process what is often otherwise left unseen and unspoken. For many creatives I know it has been a dominantly heavy and thankless job in a world of fast fixes and material overconsumption. Hug your creative friends more and show them that they matter. Invest in them where and if you can. Promote and show up for them the way you would for the new iPhone or sneaker drop. And tap into your own creative energy as often as you feel called to. We are all creative beings with unique gifts to share.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://missmarshn.weebly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmarshn

Image Credits

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