Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What is your medium?
I work mostly with acrylic, but I do enjoy the occasional use of mixed media or watercolor.
How has Buffalo influenced your work?
I am relatively new to the Buffalo area. I moved here in June, 2012 with my family. In the short time I have been here, I have been both impressed and inspired with this beautiful city. I find myself pushed to try new things and find new inspirations every day. Thus far, I can say that I have most definitely been influenced by the people I have met in Buffalo.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everything! I am inspired everyday by the world around me. I use the colors and energy of nature, science, and spirituality when painting. I love that we are emotionally influenced everyday by the colors around us.
Name an artist (or more) that most inspires you?
I am inspired most by abstract expressionist painters such as Jackson Pollock, as well as modern abstract painters such as Nancy Reyner. I also motived by Mark Rothko’s vibrant works. When I get a creative block, I have a habit of watching Pollock or skimming through Acrylic Revolution, to get a new perspective.
How do you feel you can best advance to the next level, or are you most happy where you are now?
I feel pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the best way to excel. I also know that the best way for me to advance, besides expanding my technical skills, is marketing and networking. The most important thing you can do is put yourself out there.
What is another medium that you would like to learn? Or that you have already learned?
A medium that I would love to learn would be oil painting. I love the rich colors and blending techniques that it produces.
Is there a purpose to your artwork?
I believe that every aspect of our life has a purpose. I paint with the conviction that art can bring us together and inspire us to be better.
How often do you work on your art?
I feel like I am always working on it in some way. I make it a point to get to the studio at least two days a week. I try to put in 4-5 hour studio sessions. When I am not at the studio, I am busy networking, editing and marketing.
Where did you learn your craft?
I learned how to draw and paint from my mother. I remember going door to door as a child in my neighborhood selling painted rocks and dog portraits. Yep I was that kid!
What are your strengths?
Artistically, my greatest strength is my understanding of color and emotion. I also have a great understanding of business, which can help you in any venture.
What are your weaknesses?
My greatest weaknesses are fear and impatience.
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
There is nothing more liberating that creation! I think that the ability to evoke an emotional response in another human being is amazing. Also, I love that you have the opportunity to meet a plethora of unique people and personalities that are so accepting of one another.
What’s the worst thing about being an artist?
The lack of appreciation for your work.
What is the amount of time it takes to create a work of art?
It can take hours or it can take weeks, it depends on my mood, and the complexity of the piece.
Mari Fine Art on Facebook
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