Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcie Dodd
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?
From the moment I could hold a pencil, I’ve had a deep love for art. It has served many purposes in my life – as a means of expression, a lifeline during tough times, and a way to connect with the world around me. My journey began with art competitions in elementary school, continued with studying Fine Art in college, and then teaching high school art. About ten years ago, I made the decision to focus on creating my own art. My work reflects how I navigate the complexities of life. When my brush touches the canvas, my busy mind finds peace, allowing me to explore and transform challenging moments into something more beautiful. Balancing life as a mom, teacher, artist, breast cancer survivor, and so much more keeps me on my toes. Art is my way of processing it all in a healthy, meaningful way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are times when it feels like I’ve faced more than my fair share of challenges. My life has taken some wild turns, with plenty of uncertainty, pain, and hard times. But through it all, art has been a constant lifeline. Starting a new painting feels like therapy for me. Whether the subject matter is something as simple as a fish, watching the mediums blend, interact, and layer together brings a sense of calm to my mind and sparks my creativity. I’m truly grateful for this outlet.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I see myself as a mixed media artist, using a variety of techniques to create each piece—some experimental, others calculated and precise. Being a mixed media artist has turned me into a collector of unique textures, trinkets, and even discarded items, which I incorporate in inventive ways. My artwork is a lesson in conservation, often repurposing materials that others might overlook. I prefer finding beautiful uses for things rather than tossing them away.
I love working in a mixed media style because the layers involved in creating a cohesive piece mirror the complexity of seemingly simple moments. Things are rarely as they first appear, whether in life or in my artwork. The more you observe, the more hidden details emerge, drawing you deeper into the work. Each layer in a mixed media piece reveals part of the story, guiding the viewer’s eye to the most important elements while hiding little secrets that those paying close attention can uncover, gaining further insight into the subject. For me, it’s like assembling a puzzle—one that I eagerly put together and can’t wait for others to explore and solve on their own.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The phrase “no risk, no reward” really resonates with me. Even the act of creating a painting feels risky, as I’m pouring my heart and soul into the canvas and offering it up to the world. Will people like it? Will they understand it? Does it even matter? In the end, while the art reflects who I am, it is ultimately for me. It’s tough to move beyond the desire for approval and the opinions of others, but the freedom to create without those concerns is absolutely worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MixedMarcie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MixedMarcie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MixedMarcie
- Other: https://linktr.ee/MixedMarcie?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
