Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandi Murphy.
Hi Mandi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where to begin? I had a rather traumatic childhood that left me with no guidance or support from ether of my parents. I knew that I still wanted my life to be successful but I had no examples of what that looked like. I didn’t have anyone to give me advise or tell me I wasn’t making good choices. I grew up with no regulations or rules. I was aloud to run free and while most teenagers may hear that and wish they could also be free to do whatever they want with no consequences. I can tell you there are many psychological affects that are not so pleasent. Not to mention parents arent neglectful for just no reason but their past and problems are not my story to tell.
The neglect destroyed my self worth. When my school accolades weren’t enough to warrant more than a “Good job Mandi. This is why we never have to worry about you.” I turned to doing things that most parents would freak out about. I went from national honor society, gifted and talented, and AP classes to skipping school, drinking, and even experimenting with drugs.
I also found myself craving a family structure that I always felt like I deserved. So with my broken self worth I attached myself to a boyfriend that was not suited for me and I found my self pregnant in my late teens with twins.
This relationship of corse didn’t work out. Remember I’ve basicly been taking care of myself from a very young age, so of course I thought I had all the answers and when this new family that I created didn’t fit my ideals and I found my partner more of a burden I quickly jumped into the arms of my next long term boyfriends.
One of the symptoms of a diminished self worth is co dependency. The thought of being alone, loving and living with myself was terrifying. I was quick to accept the love from the first man willing to give it to me. I wasn’t about to hesitate and weigh my options or work on myself. What if this is the last person that could ever love me.
This relationship involved the two of us overcoming a ton of life obstacles. I was still determined to make my life a success. I worked full time, went to school full time, and was a mother to my twins and now two more boys from my new parters past relationship. Over the corse of 6 years we were able to get him through probation, I was able to graduate suma cum lade with my bachelor’s degree in teaching, and welcome a beautiful baby girl. I thought there wasn’t anything we couldn’t do together. but I was wrong. and just like a pot of water at 211 degrees all that clam at the surface was about to boil.
There was some minor infidelity on his part that I struggled to get over and he was struggling with feeling unwanted and unappreciated as we both were trying to adjust to out new careers. Him as a manager of a steak house and my first year teaching. He had isolated himself due to the cheating to prove to me that it wouldn’t happen again. but he was a person that fed off of social interactions and he was soon fighting demons that I didn’t know he had. He shortly lost his battle with mental health after that.
This was a turning point in my life. A shock that woke me up. It was hard to care about a normal 9-5. It was hard to fit in with average people content on working until retirement, taking their week vacation every year and complaining about the daily commute. I couldn’t do it anymore and soon found myself completely and utterly depressed.
It was at this time that an old friend reentered my life and soon became more. He introduced me to skydiving and it was the first time I felt anything since my parters death. He accepted me with all my flaws and was there for me while also giving me the space to get to know myself. He was the first person that I was ever with that didn’t need me to constantly expend all my energies on them. I got back into a long lost hobby, painting.
He pushed me to paint everyday, He recognized in me a raw creative ability and encouraged me to follow it. In 2022 I quit my job as a teacher to imerse myself in the life of an artist. I took courses to improve my painting and drawing skills and by the end of that year was able to secure a spot in a local gallery outside of Georgetown. In 2024 I sold over 30 original paintings and this year 2025 I have found my represented in 4 different galleries. One of my paintings even received first runner up for best in show. Every year I have seen growth in my representation, reach online and most importantly myself.
I now find myself living on a farm at a small airport for skydiving in Lexington tx outside of bastrop and an hour from outside of the big city of Austin Tx. I do my best to be present and continue my growth in both art and myself. I take each day as it comes and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would have to say that my biggest struggles have been my self confidence and feeling like I belong in the art scene. I am in a constant battle with imposture syndrome. Even something as simple as calling myself an artist has been a challenge in the past. But I know that no matter what I have to keep creating. It’s what gives my life purpose and I’m going to do it no matter what so I might as well keep putting it out for the world to see.
I have also had to overcome a lot of challenges regarding space for a studio. My studio spaces have ranged from my bedroom or kitchen to having my own designated studio room but i’ve always made it work!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create contemporary mixed media paintings. I love to start loose and slowly bring order from the chaos. It begins with spontaneous, playful layers of spray paint, inks, sometimes collage, and acrylics before introducing charcoal drawing and finishing with the rich depth of oil paint. Basically if I can get it on the canvas its fair game!
I try to capture that magical space where boundaries dissolve, inviting viewers into moments of reflection that feel both deeply personal and universally connected. I do this by blending a realistic subject matter in to an abstract background. My most common subject matter is Texas wildlife and women but I am starting to find some still life imagery that intrigues me.
I am most proud of the growth I have seen from painting to painting. As a previous teacher I have kept the mindset that I am always a learner so I am constantly taking corses and watching tutorials. I love trying out new styles and techniques so that my work is ever evolving.
What sets me apart from others is the contrast in all of my paintings. Whether its black and white imagery and a colorful background, abstract and realistic, or neon colors with earth tones I love to play with contrast!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advise when it comes to networking is to say yes to everything. Even if it seems like more trouble than its worth, trust me its not. I can’t tell you how many times new opportunities have sprung from a little event. Even if nothing sells meeting people and getting your name out can be just as valuable.
As far as a mentor I got lucky and have a great relationship with the owner of the first gallery that I got in. But i’m also never afraid to lean on my other artist friends and ask for advise, and all of these friends and even the gallery owner were products of me saying yes to every opportunity that came my way.
Pricing:
- 1.50 a square inch for works on canvas
- $1 a square inch for works on paper
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mandimurphyart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandiielizabeth47/
