We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Blythe Mariano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Blythe, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
I overcome by only being in competition with myself. There will always be those that will find something to nitpick or find wrong about you or your art. I believe that Im only as great as my last creation. The only way to keep rising above is analyzing what happened last time to make something even more spectacular the next time. In this work mode the haters dont have a say or a place within my creative space because Im living up to my standards and not theirs.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Blythe Mariano and I own an art business under the name of II Gemini Crafts. While there are two of us collaborating in the art we sell, I am the primary artist/beadwork designer. I am a multidisciplinary artist; calligraphy is at the forefront, beadwork, woodburning, etching glass….etc. I learned calligraphy art in high school and just kept doing it in my spare time. I learned beadwork as a child from my mother and business partner. These two mediums are the most valuable art forms to myself because of the unlimited ways of expression. With calligraphy; arangement of words or poems can be visually influenced by colors or textures. The words themselves give the art a voice to speak to the viewer directly. In my calligraphy art I find words, poems, quotes or lyrics to influence my color choice, how it is aranged and presented. The types of quotes I find are inspirational or cannote love. I want my audience to read a piece of mine and find themselves in it. With the beadwork; at present there are a ton of beadworkers and what sets me aside from the rest is in its differences. Being an indigenous person and belonging to two different worlds there are interests we have that are common to each other; music is a huge one because we like metal and punk a lot more than other groups of people. Thats where I come in with my beadwork art. I create statement pieces that help express that inner punk or metal head. I like to make people stand out and be different and wow the world. I enjoy being able to give my customers a unique sense of confidence.
Currently, II Gemini Crafts is gearing up for a collaboration between an art space to help people find us easier. This includes having a store front where people can buy direct, see multiple artists works, and have a place of community. We are always creating new pieces of wearable art and invite you to find us!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In the years I spent devoting myself to my art and the hustle there are a few things I picked up along the way. The first and important thing is, rest. Odd to say for a first quality but rest is super vital to being creative. Knowing when you need it most or when you need to take a break. In this field breaks are hard because they cost us money. However, a creative brain needs rest and if youre wearing yourself out early then longevity is an issue. Rest often and give yourself grace for it. Secondly, having an open mind. An open mind can allow you to try new markets, new ideas, and new experiences. It allows you to embrace challenges, find newer demographics, and possibly expand. Lastly, self-care is absolutely necessary. I know I said rest first and now self-care, but they both deserve their spots. Self-care involves staying true to yourself and remaining positive. Self-care is a must in this industry because we get worn out and having a good routine after a rough weekend will put you right back where you need to be before another event or market. These skills all involve the self and if harnessed in the right way can lead to amazing successes.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The one person who has been the best motivator and most helpful is my mom. She is my business partner and her advice is necessary and vital to most of my growth. She is there when I have questions or need to work through any problems. Finding someone interested and apart of your success keeps you succeeding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.2geminicrafts.com
- Instagram: @blyfe_calligraphy or @2geminicrafts
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