We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Artist Marisa Murrow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marisa, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My Mother is super positive. She has influenced me to look on the bright side of things, always.
And reggae music of course.
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?
When I think of the words, Bold Journey I am reminded of my childhood. It is fair to say, I was born bold. Climbing over fences, (trespassing to pick our neighbors’ flowers), wearing conversation starting outfits, striking up conversation with strangers everywhere and possessing an undeniable conviction to speak my mind (with hands on hips at 2 and still do) have all informed the work I make. With paintbrush in hand, I seek to describe the California landscape. I am a professional artist, floral designer, world traveler, vase collector, dancer, swimmer and LA native who avoids saying the words “I can’t”.
I approach my work with a restless desire to describe my definition of home. As I look across a nearby mobile home park, the rooftops, swaying palm trees, singing birds and dog walkers, all communicate how I feel about where I come from. It is the sense of community and simplicity with a wide open view of the ocean that has inspired me to paint the subject matter for almost 2 decades. A tight knit coastal community who share common ground is familiar territory. Much like the uniformed education I received, there is a sameness present in the materials and shapes of these prefabricated structures that echo my experience- In order to get to know a place or more importantly, a person, we must go inside.
I seek to convey liberation and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond what confines us. In addition to the Mobile Home Park series, the work I make expresses my deep connection with flowers, sailboats drifting out to sea and swimming pools surrounded by luscious gardens. Throughout the year collectors commission paintings. I love the challenge of using my style and subject matter to create a work tailored to the collector’s specifications!
Right now, I am excited to be exhibiting 6 paintings all having to do with water at 7811Gallery on Melrose Avenue. Come see the show, I would love to hear what you think! February 8- April 7.
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?
Discipline: From the outside, painting looks like so much fun. Resistance is real. It creeps up between paintings and when I am having trouble resolving something. Raised with structure and a traditional family unit, the continued accountability and focus is embedded in everything I do. I heard Norah Jones say during an interview with Kathy Heller-”Keep working on it until you like it”. This profound statement is taped to the studio wall. It encourages me to keep going.
Be humble and learn as much as you can from other artists and business owners. Allow them to share their experience and ask for help! I have hired private coaches and worked with business mentors through S.C.O.R.E.
Get really good at the thing you love to do and don’t expect it to give you anything in return. Even with a prestigious art school education(RISD), I did not sell my art right away(The world was different back then-no social media). I protected my talent from the market and focused on developing a style and sense of self. The blissful 9 years of working outside, (because I could not afford a studio space) helped me build a strong foundation for what I am achieving today. No matter what anyone said or thought, I was going to paint.
Build relationships and learn how to sell. And never underestimate the power of your day job. The skills that you learn can assist your creative pursuits. My experience selling flowers, gave me the confidence I needed to communicate with prospective art buyers. It is very easy for me to separate myself from my art. Attention is placed on what people like, need and want. As a result of this job, I developed many wonderful friendships. These floral skills supported me as an artist for years, funded a trip around the world and provide expressions of gratitude to collectors and people close to me with beautiful flower arrangements!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Taking risks and venturing in new directions can indeed be intimidating, especially when faced with the possibility of not meeting your own expectations. It is scary and painful to feel like you are failing at something you thought you could do well. Give yourself the opportunity to explore and develop. Growth often involves periods of discomfort and uncertainty.Your willingness to give yourself permission without the pressure of external validation is commendable. Seek the counsel of trusted art confidants. They will encourage you in times of doubt, celebrate your successes and you can do the same for them!
Can I tell you a secret? I have 33 paintings that have never been exhibited. I began the series exploring ideas of inner sadness and mark making while in residence at the Vermont Studio Center. They are unlike the rest of my work, abstract in style and quite dark. The process of making these works opened up a new approach to painting- A bold journey across the country that translated ideas into meaningful experiences. Thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: marisamurrow.com
- Instagram: @marisamurrow
- Facebook: Marisa Murrow
- Yelp: Marisa Murrow
- Google: Marisa Murrow
Image Credits
Gene Ogami (took photos of still paintings)
