We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Mariotti recently and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Mental health has been a significant part of my journey, both personally and as an artist. I’ve faced depression as a constant in my life, coupled with self-doubt that constantly challenges my ability/willingness to create. What I’m working on to persist is using art as a means of processing and making sense of these feelings. My series Hello, Sunshine is a direct reflection of this—it’s rooted in personal stories and the complex emotions tied to memory, identity, and family. The act of transforming something intangible, like grief or uncertainty, into tangible artwork has been incredibly therapeutic. It’s taught me that creativity is not only a way to express but also to heal.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Daniel Mariotti, an interdisciplinary artist based in Phoenix, blending photography, printmaking, sculpture, and storytelling. My work is deeply influenced by science, philosophy, and personal history, which I explore through abstraction and materiality. I aim to create pieces that invite viewers to reconsider their perceptions and the stories behind everyday objects.
Currently, I’m focused on my project Tak, Słucham (Polish for “Yes, Listening”), which delves into themes of cultural identity, memory, and personal reflection. It’s inspired by my father’s Alzheimer’s and passing, as well as my own journey of growing up between two cultures, the United States and Poland. This series weaves Polish traditions and folklore with personal narratives, exploring how these experiences shape identity.
What excites me most about my practice is the balance between research and storytelling—using objects and imagery to create connections that are both intellectual and emotional.
Outside of my studio, I’m also part of a band called Sunthrown, where we channel themes of post-rock and heavy shoegaze into our music. You can find us playing shows throughout the year, sharing the same introspective energy I bring to my visual work.
I’d love for folks to know that my art and music are about fostering dialogue, bridging personal and collective experiences, and using the process itself as a tool for deeper exploration. Stay tuned for upcoming exhibitions, releases, and collaborations!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key elements have been most impactful in my journey: curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to collaboration.
Curiosity has driven me to explore new materials, processes, and ideas, allowing my work to evolve in unexpected ways. For anyone starting out, I recommend embracing curiosity as a way to push boundaries and experiment fearlessly—it’s often in the uncharted territory that the most rewarding discoveries happen.
Adaptability has been vital, especially in navigating setbacks or shifts in focus. Whether it’s responding to creative blocks or life’s challenges, being open to change has allowed me to refine my work and find new directions. My advice is to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and to approach them with flexibility and optimism.
Finally, collaboration has been transformative, both in my art practice and in my band, Sunthrown. Sharing perspectives, skills, and ideas has enriched my projects and helped me grow as an artist and person. For those early in their journey, I suggest seeking out others with complementary skills or shared values. Building a network of collaborators can open doors and create opportunities you might not achieve alone.
Ultimately, be patient with your growth, stay open to learning, and trust that every experience—positive or challenging—adds depth and dimension to your journey.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is balancing the different facets of my creative life—my art practice, my role as a band member in Sunthrown, and my responsibilities outside of those pursuits. Each requires significant time, energy, and focus, and it can be difficult to ensure I’m giving enough to each area without feeling stretched too thin.
To address this, I’ve been working on setting clear priorities and creating structured timelines for my projects. I break larger goals into manageable steps and allow room for flexibility. Tools like spreadsheets and digital project management systems have been invaluable in keeping track of deadlines and progress.
Additionally, I’ve learned to lean on my community, whether that’s my bandmates, collaborators, or mentors. Open communication about expectations and sharing responsibilities has helped ease the pressure and allowed me to focus on what I do best.
Lastly, I make a point to step back when needed—whether that’s taking breaks from social media or finding inspiration in new environments. It’s about maintaining a sustainable pace while still pushing forward creatively. This challenge is ongoing and doomscrolling is so easy to do, but by staying intentional, I’m finding ways to make it work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danielmariotti.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvmariot/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mariotti-a75929b9/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sunthrown
- Other: Band Website: https://sunthrown.supertape.site/
Image Credits
Mike Williams
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