We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mermaid Merlot a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mermaid, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I was always the girl who was off in her own world drawing. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I had a longing for something more “fantastical.”
But just the act of illustrating wasn’t enough. I wanted to bring my creativity off of the paper.
I’ve been in love with fairy tales since I was a child. I was fascinated by a world where art met reality, and all abstract ideas were possible. There is nothing more beautiful than fantasy. Mermaids embodied everything I admired and to become one was a dream I always had. Now, I’m both a professional mermaid performer and full time artist selling prints and commissions in my online art shop. Even my younger sister, Enid has become a great artist and wonderful business partner as well.
Art is story telling and my goal is to share a fairytale.
I’m the kind of artist who goes where the inspiration calls, no limitations. It’s difficult to limit myself to one category of art. I’m an artist of many trades! I’ve painted, designed jewelry, sewn axolotl art dolls, and even decorated cakes! I also have a passion for photography, modeling, and cosplay. My most enjoyable work is swimming or flying by birthday parties, and corporate events. Yes, I perform as a fairy too! Seeing the surprise in a young ones eyes as they witness a real life mermaid, nothing can compare to it. It is a memory to treasure forever,
Despite having so many one of a kind endeavors, I could never seem to truly define my purpose. It seems as though my purpose changes with life’s many seasons. Life is unpredictable. I believe that the journey of finding our purpose never truly ends. It’s easy to become distracted with the “destination” and to lose appreciation for the journey. Having faith in God’s plan and finding gratitude in the present can bring one much peace. The idea of perfectionism is a crutch for many creatives.
An artist should hope to find contentment not just on the canvas, but also in life. Some of the most magnificent works of art are far from perfect. Perhaps we should look at life, not as a hyper realistic and flawless painting, but as a splotchy, messy, and whimsical creation that could only be made without prediction or control.
Although, I may never know for certain what my purpose may be, being an artist has always been a means of self expression. Whether I feel joyful or stressed, there is a creative and beneficial way to release those emotions. But more importantly, I simply love sharing my art! Creating bring me so much joy. I want to reciprocate that wonderful feeling with others. If I can add just a bit more creativity to this world, then perhaps I’ve fulfilled my purpose as an artist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
No matter what category of art someone may fall into, we are all sharing some form of positive impact with the world.
We currently offer art prints, coloring pages, posable art dolls, and commissions. Other custom items and artwork may be available at request depending on our order queue. Our shop is full of items featuring original artwork and designs by Merlot. If it’s cute, weird, or whimsical, we’ve got you covered!”
We offer a wide variety of services such as but not limited to; Mermaid/Fairy Performances at parties/events, modeling, and acting.” We are located in Lancaster Pennsylvania. We do consider further distance requests such as Delaware, New Jersey, and the East Coast.
We also run a YouTube Channel, “Mermaid Merlot,” where you can join in on the art journey!
We are always learning and evolving as artists. Being an opportunist and keeping an open mind is the best way to open doors for success, We welcome new possibilities with open arms. You never know where the next chapter will take you!
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?
When pursuing a career or business in art, always remember why you started, Never lose yourself within trying to achieve a goal. There is always a better way, never force things that aren’t meant to be. Learn as much as you can, and accept that even if a plan doesn’t go as you hoped, you’ve still received valuable knowledge, With experience, you might discover an even greater opportunity than you could have ever imagined!
And most importantly, discover what sets you apart. Your creative identity is your greatest asset. Always stay true to your heart and embrace your differences, Self expression will lead to becoming the most genuine and memorable artist.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
You could be wonderful at coloring pictures, but if you haven’t taken the time to learn to draw, you’ll always be limited to only coloring books.
I’m constantly mindful of what I don’t know. Our personal weaknesses shouldn’t inflict shame or avoidance, but inspire one’s own desire to improve. Everyone starts from the beginning. It’s up to us to acknowledge where we can improve, and challenge ourselves to make progress everyday. Eventually, it may not be a weakness anymore, but a useful skill that could be very beneficial. I’ve found that overcoming my difficulties has always been of worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mermaidmerlot.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidmerlot/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mermaidmerlot/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mermaidmerlot/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRo9_FUd89c-p9k6zASR-A
Image Credits
Mermaid Merlot LLC Submergeunderwater
