Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Landers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The majority of my life has been engulfed in the arts: ballet, jazz and choreography in my earlier years; co-ownership of a gym that embraced dance elements; a short decade of sales and marketing in the corporate arena; and full circle to the discovery of the amazing paintbrush. I had the distinct pleasure of being accepted to study under the direction of Gregory Johnson, world-renowned artist for several years. With Greg’s encouragement to follow my passion and a giant leap of faith, I launched a faux painting/ decorative arts business with a successful 17-year run. My decorative business provided the platform to excel in color harmony, mix and use multiple paint techniques in order to customize and complete finishes for over 350 client’s interior homes. The transition from creating finishes for my clients to the personal world of fine art has been my focus for the past several years. Just me and my easel ~ embracing the application of multiple mediums on a wide range of subjects: animals, landscapes, floral’s and abstracts. A blank canvas is complete vulnerability at its core, but when you connect the heart and creative juices with brushstrokes, pure joy and freedom overflow! “My ultimate desire throughout my creative process is to share a single moment in time with the observer ~ a human connection through my brushstrokes and artistic journey”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My artistic journey has been one filled with every emotion possible. More often than not, I find my brush literally glides across the canvas in pursuit of completion (if there is such a moment for the artist!). The freedom art provides is coupled with a vast array of emotions for me. Having spent 17 years attempting to express my client’s artistic vision occasionally conflicts with my own personal goal to express my personal vision for the viewer. I do find that with time, this internal struggle is lessening, though.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Nature is usually what inspires and takes the lead in my artwork. The visual observation of nature expressed on canvas is the closest connection of the heart, mind and soul personally as an artist. With my landscapes, I attempt to create a mysterious and atmospheric quality in order to connect with the viewer… quiet moments in an ethereal world as my ultimate goal. Anyone that knows me recognizes my intense infatuation with animals. I typically present them in a portrait format with the focus on the face ~ primarily the eyes. I’m a true believer in “the eyes are the windows to the soul”. From my perspective, the background takes backstage because of my attempt to connect the viewer and animal in an emotional way ~ even if just a brief moment. If I had to sum up my desire as an artist, it would be the ability to capture a quiet moment with the viewer in a world filled with constant movement.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
My future concern for original art and artists in general would be replacement by the cyber-world. As progressiveness and immediate gratification takes precedence over hand-applied originality, I’m fearful the tattered and splattered artist clothes, multiple drips of art throughout the studio and endless playground on the crusty palette will be replaced by a mouse and keyboard. As much as I can appreciate the digital world we live and depend on, I’m hopeful we don’t lose sight of the originality an artist contributes to the human spirit.
Contact Info:
- Email: ml@marilynlanders.com
- Website: https://marilynlanders.com
- Instagram: @marilynlanders1215
