Meet Marie McKenzie | Artist

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

Hi Marie, is there something you believe many others might not?
Hmmmm…what has recently been coming up for me is the saying, ‘let it go’. Much easier said than done, this saying has always thrown me, how do I let it go or throw it out there to the world? What does this process actually look like? I think the ‘letting go’, for me anyway, is actually more about embracing and through this a transformation of acceptance. Paying attention. Doing more introspection. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As a professional artist and a one woman show, I wear all of the hats. Entrepreneurship means a lot of things, i.e., including but not limited to; staying busy with commissions, giclee print production (in order to be more sustainable I do all of my printing in house), refilling local shops inventory, shipping orders, documenting artwork, marketing, bookkeeping, client meetings, sculpture installations, exhibitions, local pop-ups and of course, making new oil paintings and sculptures.

In connection to my artwork, I feel a spiritual call to explore kelp forests through various mediums. I see kelp as a superpower for our oceans and our planet. The more I learn about seaweed the more I am mystified.

I create kelp-inspired sculptures tethered from floor to ceiling reaching heights of 12-16 feet tall. I steam bend plywood to make the kelp blades and then hand shape all of the connecting pieces to undulating rattan, to imitate the stipe of kelp.

I am also currently working on a new body of kelp-inspired walnut oil paintings, coming very soon. I have not released new work in almost a year so I am thrilled to spend time on these paintings as well as the chance to share them with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To the Channel Islands we go! The least visited National Park, close to the Mainland and yet feels like another world. I would book a ferry to Santa Cruz as well as some kayaks. We could kayak around the sea caves, then snorkel and camp overnight. Of course spending time in Ojai, hanging out at my little cabin in the woods. We could dine at Rory’s Place for dinner and the Dutchess for breakfast. Go to Move Sanctuary for some yoga and meditation. Get the body moving and grooving by hiking nearby trails. Be on the lookout for music happenings at Libbey Bowl, Deer Lodge or Greater Goods. Enjoy the beach in Carpenteria and eat at Siam Elephant Thai Restaurant afterwards. Spend a day at the museums in LA, with the first stop being the LACMA. Check out friends’ art studios and head downtown to shop local, stopping by Noted and OVA Arts gallery.

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?

Oh my goodness there are so many people, I can’t dedicate to just one! I feel that we are a reflection of the souls that surround us. There are hundreds if not thousands of people, who have in their own way helped me along on this path. I am especially thankful for all of my clients and collectors, for anyone who has ever bought a piece, a limited edition, earrings, signed up for my mailing list or follow me on social media. All of the local shops who have taken a chance with me. The generous support and love helps me to continue on this path and I am incredibly grateful everyday.

I am fortunate to say my parents, who have always been my biggest cheerleaders and huge fans of my work. Continuously throughout my entire life they have been there for me.

Thank you to all of my many instructors, in art, yoga and meditation. The artists I have worked for over the years, you have shown me so much love, support and enthusiasm. I have learned a lot from them about being an artist and an entrepreneur, hats off to Kris Kuksi, Jane Kim and Tanya Kovaleski. Then there are the artists that I continue to learn from and are inspired by on a daily basis here in town. I am a part of the Ojai Studio Artists organization, who have really been there during difficult times and have opened doors for me, quite literally.

Amy Schneider, my dear dear friend and who is amazing in hosting me at her barn and studio space. She has been there through challenging times, always encouraging in art and life. I feel really fortunate to call her my friend. All of my wonderful friends who have encouraged me through the years, offering love and support.

I also have to mention a book that changed my life,  ’The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. I keep it near me always, and sometimes will just flip through it, for the little quotes on the side as they can become my positive affirmations for the day.

Website: www.mariemckenzie.com

Instagram: @mariemckenzieart

Facebook: @mariemckenzieart