Meet Aaron Marner | International Visual Artist and Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Marner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I believe that fact that I am a full time international black, gay, queer, working visual artist inherently has an impact on the community I work in as well as the world. My contributions to social issues stemming from racial inequality, gay rights, political issues, gay youth and youth arts, voting rights, HIV prevention, social activism, healthcare advocacy, homelessness, women’s rights, and domestic violence directly speak to what I’ve always aspired to be. Creating work, donating my art, time and money to causes I believe are important to the betterment of the community and/or to raise awareness were always things I’ve been passionate about or grew to be. They were not always planned. I believe creating social impact comes from doing the right thing. Striving to consistently learn, evolve and create an environment conducive to everyone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a combination of abstract portrait/figurative work, often with texture, street art, pop art and graffiti elements. Nature landscape and pattern work also play a big part in what I create. Recently getting more involved in fashion, creating my own one-off pieces of clothing, modeling for Avangard brands exploring screen printing and expressing influential ideas about fashion have become more prevalent. Having more opportunities to dive into photography in the last has been a huge part of what I am currently creating. Shooting portrait work, black and white photography, self-portrait, fashion, editorial and event photography are some of the things expressed in my photo work. Growing up loving interior design I also have had the opportunity to assist interior staging projects on large concept homes. I think my well-rounded approach to art not just as a painter as in the past now working in multi- faceted fields of art separates me from a lot of artists but also is relatable to a lot of artists. Most creatives have other creative passions, and I think by showing mine it inspires others to pursue theirs. I think the past year working on projects for Barbie, creating work for my third museum show, and being honored Grand Mashal of Palm Springs for Gay Pride as an artist were all highlights for me. I think the greater success was doing this while getting out of an abusive relationship, dealing with homelessness, losing family and friends while adapting to new social environments that weren’t as accepting to the ones I’ve experienced in the past.

My professional art career began 15 years ago when I moved to Los Angeles. Leaving a year later back to my hometown of Phoenix, deciding to also leave the corporate world, working in bars and restaurants to allow myself the time and space to create more. It was not until covid hit, that I decided pursing being a full-time professional artist and making that dream a reality.

The road was not easy. I think being self-taught and getting into the craft later in life ultimately came with challenges. Feeling as if I was playing catch up, I worked longer hours, I made substantially less money and made major lifestyle changes. I learned how to put the passion I had for creativity and tell a story with it at the same time, I learned the value of narrative with art and connecting that with my experiences and that of those around me. Storytelling to me is such an important element of art. Networking, marketing and finding new ways to be creative and evolve through your work. Not being afraid to display work socially but also not being afraid to display yourself and who you are. I feel that without an audience knowing who you are as person it creates a false sense of creatively. Knowing who you are and not being afraid to present your true self is vastly important to art.

I think what I want people to take away from my brand and my story is that is one of an authentic experience. A lived one, A story that is relatable to all people. Rich and poor. gay and straight. Black, white and beyond. My story is that of a person who has been friends with or had a conversation with all walks of live. The one who has had a meal with most, given a hug to or loved. I’ve always taken an approach someone who can sit with dignitaries and the janitor. But ultimately my story is about love and humanity, Love of self and love of others. Love conquers all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love food so we’d definitely hit some great food places. Being relatively new, again to L.A. it would be an exploration of everything from fine dining to food trucks. I love culture so trying a lot of different foods has always been my thing. Weeklong trips give more opportunity to catching a Laker or Dodger game during the week, the fashion district if you enjoy shopping like I do and getting some culture at one of the many museums, or galleries, The beach is always an option and I’ve found that going during the weekday or further up the coast is more relaxing and less touristy than the weekend. Hitting up a dance spot or night club on Fridays and Saturdays is always fun. Checking out local live music or a concert is great too. For a quieter drink or outing experience, I’m a fan of speakeasys, rooftop bars with more craftier cocktails. “Self-care Sunday” is a big thing for me now. A nice brunch, massage and night of relaxation while spending reflection time with friends for me has always been a nice way to leave a trip and not be exhausted when you return home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this to my mother. Without her guidance, and unwavering love, I would not be the man that I am.

Website: https://www.Aaronallenart.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronallen1313/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronAllen13

Image Credits
photo credit: Aaronallenartstudio