We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marc Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marc below.
Hi Marc, so happy to have you on and really appreciate your openness to discussing a topic so many shy away from. Let’s jump right in – can you talk to us about overcoming bankruptcy?
The American subprime mortgage crisis was a multinational financial crisis that occurred between 2007 and 2010 that contributed to the 2007–2008 global financial crisis. The crisis led to a severe economic recession, with millions of people losing their jobs and many businesses going bankrupt. My Business, Marc’s Mountain Maintenance, which I started in 1999 as a property renovation service had tremendous initial growth and revenue, leading to the formation of Marc’s Mountain Home Inspection Service. I felt that I needed to branch out and develop another revenue stream just incase the market fluctuated. In 2008 the market didn’t fluctuate, it vanished! I held out as long as I could watching my companies dwindle down to nothing. In 2012 I filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Marc’s Mountain was done! The road back was not an easy one. I started applying to every construction or renovation position and eventually applied to apartment maintenance positions. I was offered a position as Maintenance Manager for an Apartment Community which I accepted since an apartment was part of the package. At least now I was having a steady job and housing! Two years went by and an up and coming Tech company is looking for a property manager for a variety of properties in it’s portfolio. I applied and held the position until my retirement.
The one element in my life which have helped me to endure all the negativity an uncertainties has been my Art! It gives me that place where I want to be, To project wonder and amazement, time and time again, I get to create a new reality through my Art! It has always been and will continue to be my voice to the world!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My Brand is the story of my life. The places I’ve been, the moments we share, the wonder of life in all its’ forms. Every painting comes from a real experience!. I have always been an avid hiker, skier and outdoorsman as well as a total gear-head, having restored both cars and motorcycles. My paintings reflect these dominant themes. This has all led me to be one of 14 dedicated artist to be featured in LUSTER! LUSTER is a continuing traveling art show of Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting. Produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C.
Luster started it’s tour March 10,2018 at the Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Beach FL. and continues it’s 19 venue exhibition across the country ending at the Cultural Center of Lake Charles, LA, February 1 to April 30, 2025.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most important part of any creative journey is putting in the long hours to build your brand! I know that people see for instance a banana taped onto a canvas and this is art? The internet is full of examples of people void of artistic ability gaining fame and notoriety by simply doing something to get their attention. True artists take time, energy and a whole lot of work to develop their art. Their real talent lies in how the artist perceives the effect of their work on others! How an image that you create can enhance a persons life or make them think in a more personal way. You take them into the art! Fresh out of college I was on my way to New York City as a commercial illustrator, settling in on Madison Ave. Add Agencies. After some time I did have a couple call backs and started working as a Jr. Copy Boy. My foot was in the door! For two years I worked for about 4 agencies and actually got to do some illustrations, in Gay Porn. Not exactly what I had in mind! This is when I learned how to pivot! I packed up my car and headed west to Boulder, Co. I got a job working apartment maintenance and would do “MY Art” (what I wanted to paint) evenings and weekends. Life got to be good again!
As an artist I am certainly looking to develop revenue streams other than the typical Gallery or Arts Associations which is why I started offering commissioned art works. Yes I have painted many family pets along with Race Cars and Motorcycles and even Homes over the years. With each painting my skill gets better, tighter and even more realistic. I am now truly a Hyperrealist Artist!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Everyone needs a pressure relief valve! How a person deals with pressure will vary widely For me, hiking in the great state of Colorado works for me! There are so many wonderful places, many quite close to home! Another relieve valve for me is to get on my motorcycle and ride, preferably to hike! My wife and I continually take the motorcycle on tours and now my son has a motorcycle as well. Being on the motorcycle is being in the moment to the extreme. nothing else matters!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marcjonesstudio.com
- Instagram: @marcjonesfinearts
- Facebook: @ Marc Jones Studios @Marc Jones
