We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Murjoni Merriweather. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Murjoni below.

Alright, Murjoni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I was in elementary school I learned to draw from my mother. Every year, my parents would gift me an art kit for Christmas, with pastels, different types of granite pencils and a drawing pad. Eventually “how to draw” books were added and I would always sit in my room practicing different drawing techniques. I actually still have some of the sketch books. Looking back on the I laugh a little on how funny the drawings looked. However, back then I really thought I was doing my thing.

Then went to a new school for the 7th grade. There I took painting, photography, graphic design, but none of them really peaked my interest like how the ceramics studio did. I wondered what it would be like to be in the secluded studio in the corner of the school. I took my first ceramics class in 8th grade. The first thing we learn was Wheel thawing, and I did not like it at all. Instead of allowing me to give up, the teacher taught me hoot hand build my cups instead of working on the wheel. THAT is where I fell in love. It was something about hand building that made the class go by so quickly. Fo there I learned about Alberto Giacometti and various other clay artists. I did research on youtube and learn more techniques, i practiced and need up taking it with me through out high school and college. This is something I loved and still do very much.

I think the main thing to know about skill and learning a craft is not the technical skill first. The first thing that comes is your love for said thing. When we first start to do an activity/ craft, most times we are not that great at it truthfully. But when you have a strong love for it still, it brings you peace and happiness, you spend time doing that thing. You deep dive into how to be better and what skills you can practice. With time and dedication, you will become a pro. But you have to truly truly love it first.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Sculptor, Murjoni Merriweather grew up in Temple Hills, Maryland. During her time there, she fell in love with art at the age of 8 learning how to draw from trial and error and art kits her parents would give her. After dabbling in photography, drawing, painting and graphic design, Murjoni tried out ceramics by the time she was in 8th grade where her heart grew whole. While feeling so connected to clay, she started making work that reflected the black experience. In 2018 Murjoni graduated from The Maryland Institute College of Art with her BFA in Ceramics and concentration in Film/video. During this time, she explored celebrating blackness through figurative forms. Murjoni has been able to expand her knowledge and experiment at places like Creative Alliance (Baltimore, 2019-2022), Fountainhead Residency (Miami, 2021) and The Alma | Lewis Residency (PA, 2022) in ways that talk about emotion through the clay itself. Murjoni currently resides in Baltimore Maryland with her cat, Kiva, where she continues to aim towards inspiring and celebrating black culture in ways that make us feel seen.

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

For me, The most rewarding part about being an artist is the fact that I get to express how I feel with my hands. My work is personal to me, and can also relate to other black people around the world. Im learning to trust my body and its relationship with my mind in order to come up with a product that really speaks to and inspires people. It makes me so happy and honored to be able to create my feelings visual, and for other people to be heard through that as well. I am extremely grateful.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Being an artist is not always easy. Yes I love being an artist and I love what I am able to create. I am grateful that it is also seen. However, there is more to the work than just making a thing. My work feels more of a therapy session, and when people see my work, they are also seeing a very vulnerable part of me. Our process is a huge part of our creation. Outside of creating, there are other things that we have to maintain as artists. Making the work is only part of the job. We have to do artist talks, planning shows, have financial literacy, have creative writing skills, be able to socialize, be a guru at social media and many more. To juggle all of these things while also making time to channel the proper energy to create can be a lot. ( which is also why a lot of artist have help)

All of this being said, I still wouldn’t change a thing about my profession. I love every bit of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mvrjoni.com
• Instagram: @mvrjoni
• Facebook: Mvrjoni Arts
• Twitter: @mvrjoni
• Other: tiktok : @mvrjoni

Image Credits
Headshot is by Marqel Allen Pictures of sculptures is by me (Murjoni Merriweather)