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

Murray, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always been enthralled with art and knew I wanted to do something creative with my life from childhood. I didn’t think I had any real talent to create “real art” though, so I studied, and got a degree in, graphic design in college. With at least a toe in the door of the art world, I learned so much! Composition, color theory, some drawing skills. And through the years as a designer and creative director for local ad agencies and design firms. I was able to make a career of it, but after almost 30 years I decided to at least try my hand at painting and took a workshop at a wonderful local society of artists. The instructor was so patient and easy going – she made it fun with no pressure – and made me realize that I might have a little talent. There was no stopping me after that! I joined that same art society, took a few more workshops, and started showing my paintings in local galleries.

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

I was asked to join a brand new, tiny co-op gallery opening in historic old town Bluffton, SC in 2015. Led by a veteran gallery organizer we opened with 5 artists in our small, artsy town. We rented a small space from a wonderful lady who owned “The Store,” an eclectic variety shop with a long skinny shop area on either side. La Petite Gallerie was born! Since then we’ve grown to seven artists, one to work each day of the week. Each of us handles different chores for the gallery. With my design background I’m able to do the advertising and public relations. We have become one of the most popular art galleries in a town that is chuck full of high end shops and galleries – and has become a destination for people shopping for art!

Featuring six of the area’s favorite painters and a talented sculptor, La Petite Gallerie’s special collection of art is an ever-changing delight, with many pieces spilling out into the adjacent garden. In addition to the acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings there is lovely blown and fused glass, whimsical and soulful clay pieces, wonderful copper “spinners,” fish, turtles, birds and other fun garden art. If you visit, you are likely to catch one of the artists on duty sketching or painting on the shady garden deck. I am so proud of our little gallery!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love making people happy – seeing smiles on peoples’ face when they look at my art is so rewarding!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe everyone has a creative streak, even if it’s buried deep inside. If you can make the time in your life to dig deep and give it a try, whether its visual arts, dancing, acting, writing or music, you may surprise yourself with your innate talent!

Contact Info:

• Website: shineonart.com
• Instagram: murraysease

Image Credits
All paintings are original oils by Murray Sease. She has all rights to the photography.