Meet Marcia Pitch | Visual Artist

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

Hi Marcia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As a mature woman, I would attribute my success to perseverance. It could have been easy to give up, expressing frustration at the lack of response to my art practice. However, I credit my commitment to persisting through challenging times. I recognize the significance of the journey itself. My achievements stem from maintaining a consistent art practice while simultaneously attending school and raising children, navigating through life’s obstacles. Consequently, I continue to enhance my skills and evolve in my craft.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Pushing boundaries has been a defining aspect of my artistic journey, marked by the creation of unconventional works. In the 1980s, my venture into installation art involved the use of nontraditional materials such as potatoes and long underwear, positioning me several steps ahead of contemporary norms. Through consistent work and actively pursuing exhibition opportunities, I frequently exhibited my work in public galleries.

While my ability to manifest artistic visions was more accessible in alternate space galleries during my youth, I encountered challenges as I aged. Society often tends to render women of a certain age invisible, a theme I recently explored in my exhibit in Montreal titled “The Invisible Woman.” This showcase featured a series of giant collages and mixed-media sculptures, designed to challenge societal norms and underscore the power and significance of older women in the art world.

It remains imperative to confront the misconception that older women artists become obsolete; creativity and relevance know no expiry date.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Vancouver has some amazing art galleries. The Vancouver Art Gallery exhibits unique and world class exhibitions. A few hours away is the Audain Art Museum In Whistler. B.C. It is architecturally amazing as are the exhibitions. the Polygon Gallery, a contemporary gallery, located by the water in North Vancouver is another must see. A walk around Stanley Park and the seawall is always a treat no matter what the weather is like. There are beaches everywhere on the westside and the north shore. Museum of Anthropology at the University of B.C. is a world class museum with indigenous art. Capilano Suspension Bridge crosses the Capilano River and is 230 feet high and is right in the rain-forest. There are smaller alternative galleries around town as well. Granville Island, a public market, is a must with lost of food stalls, crafts and boats to look at. In the summer there is the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens. Vancouver is know for the very best Sushi according to my nephew. So many fabulous restaurants to mention.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must acknowledge the invaluable role of my studio mates in keeping me on the straight and narrow. Their collaborative spirit, shared ideas, and gentle nudges have consistently encouraged me to explore new directions in my artistic journey. Additionally, my involvement with Coast Mental Health, where I work in their art studio, has been a significant source of inspiration. The intersection of my creative endeavors with a mental health organization adds depth and purpose to my work, fostering a meaningful connection between art and well-being.

Website: www.marciapitch.com

Instagram: @marciapitch