Mixed Marcie is an Art of Austin artist!
Introducing Mixed Marcie!
AoA – How long have you been in Austin and how did you find your way here?
Marcie – I have officially been an Austinite for about three years now, but my heart has lived here a lot longer. I have fond memories of learning to drive with my cousin in Austin, and going to see my first concert right by the capital (the Toadies!). As an adult, I was drawn to the rivers, the hiking, the food, the laid back culture… I have grown to love Austin because of the community I have found.
AoA – When did you realize that you were an artist?
Marcie – I think when I was in 5th grade I knew I *wanted* to be an artist. I remember making a sign in class and having my teacher go on and on about how I was going to be an artist. I remember thinking at that point that it’s what I wanted to be when I grew up. I don’t think I really considered myself a REAL artist until about 5 years ago, despite going to art school, graduating with a degree in fine arts, and teaching art for over a decade. Once I truly began to give myself to my own practice, that’s when I started considering myself an artist.
AoA – Where do you find inspiration?
Marcie – I find a lot of inspiration from looking at GOOD art – visiting museums and galleries, visiting artists’ websites and following along on social media. I also draw a lot of inspiration from nature, from science, from anatomy, and from pop culture. I think every good artist just always has their eyes open, noticing the world around them.
AoA – What is your work concerned with?
Marcie – The most important thing about my work is layers – I love to build up my pieces with things that add meaning and dimension. My goal is to get the viewer to look deeply and find new and interesting things to look at within my work.
AoA – Can you speak to your art training?
Marcie – I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine art, but I honestly feel that the best training I have gotten is hands on experience – trying new things, experimenting, not being afraid to ruin a canvas. Being an art teacher has stretched me as an artist, forcing me to experience a wide range of mediums and techniques.
AoA – What are your preferred medium(s)?
Marcie – I use a lot of ink, acrylic paint, charcoal, paint pens, spray paint, and various photo transfer methods.
AoA – Can you talk a little about your creative processes?
Marcie – My process changes on a regular basis. I love to experiment and to try new things. I will typically create bold, colorful backgrounds and let that dictate the subject matter. I typically have a list of ideas and sketches to inspire my creations.
AoA – Do you have any feelings towards Digital Art versus traditional mediums?
Marcie – Part of my process is getting messy. I find it cathartic to have paint on my hands and mod podge under my nails. I value digital work, but it is not something that I engage in on a regular basis. My original degree was in Graphic Design. I still occasionally free lance logos and poster designs, but every time I do, I am reminded why I love paint and canvas.
AoA – Who are some artists that you look to?
Marcie – Oh goodness, where do I begin? I have drawn a lot of inspiration from the early work of Salvador Dali and the comic artist David Mack in how they use layers and a bit of chaos to create beautiful compositions that are interesting to look at. I follow a ton of local Austin/Texas artists and I am constantly inspired by their creativity, work ethic, and hustle. A few of my favorites are: Adrienne Hodge (@adriennehodgeart), Joel Ganucheau (@joelganucheau), Curtis Griffin (@griffininsight), Geoff Worling (@wor.g), Erik Ross (@erk_ross), Brian Phillips (@artbybrianphillips), Jason Archer (@designatedbadass), Skele (@skeleartart), Timothy Doyle (@timothypdoyle)…. I could go on and on
AoA – If you could own 1 piece from a living artist, who would it be?
Marcie – You ask very difficult questions! There are hundreds of artists that I would swoon if I had a piece of their work. I am not sure I could truly answer this question.
AoA – Big question. What do you feel the role of art is in the world?
Marcie – Art is incredibly important. It is a way of record keeping, of communicating, of connecting. For me, art is therapy – it is a way to get the jumbled mess out of my brain and examine things in a new way.
AoA – What else do you enjoy besides making art?
Marcie – I love spending time in nature – hiking and swimming. I love live music and dancing. I am a very social person and draw a lot of energy from being around friends and fellow artists.
AoA – Where can we find your work? Do you have any shows planned for the future?
Marcie – The best way to stay updated is to follow along on Instagram at @MixedMarcie.
AoA – Any final advice for all the artists reading out there?
Marcie – Don’t give up. Don’t compare your work, your process, your product or yourself to any other artists. Stay true to yourself and your craft. Try new things, grow and experiment. Find your voice and use it.
Connect with Marcie!
