An Interview with Mixed Media Artist Marisa Veerman
Marisa Veerman is a photographic and textile fine artist based in Brisbane, Australia.
She began her career as a textile visual merchandiser in fabric boutiques across Queensland, before turning her creative eye to mixed media works embellished with fine embroidery and beading.
We're honoured to showcase some of Marisa's artworks on the blog today, along with an inspiring interview with the artist. Keep reading to find out more!
Q: When did your love of photography and art first blossom?
A: I was always creating as a child and found every opportunity I could to sew or create. My career began as a Visual Merchandiser in fabric stores. I spent my days dressing mannequins with simply fabric and pins. There was no sewing involved. Every day was different and I had a lot of creative freedom.
After having children I picked up a camera and slowly developed the techniques that I use today. I just love putting the images up on my screen and finding the magic ones.
Q: What is it about mixed media that you are most drawn to as an artist?
A: As I have such a strong background in textiles I felt like I needed to be authentic with my art so adding the stitching makes my work uniquely mine. The addition of wax really connects the mediums and adds a layer of warmth.
Q: What emotions or messages are you often wanting to convey in your work?
A: My hope is that the viewer will feel peaceful and calm when looking at my work. I hope it slows them down and gives them time to think. In this busy world that we live I think it is so important to slow down and take time to notice and care about others, to really try to be understanding.
It is so meaningful when people connect with my work in a way that brings out their own emotions and connections that may be totally different to the way I see it.
Q: Please tell us more about your recent exhibition in Brisbane, 'Quietude'?
A: Quietude is a whimsical collection of photographic artworks on canvas which are embroidered and beaded. The pieces range from the softest of pinks through to blues, mints, teal and peach. They all feature an abstraction of the female form in a state of gentle movement.
‘Quietude’ is an exploration of stillness, calmness and quiet in a person.Time is taken to observe and listen.To see and to notice.To sympathise and empathise.From a place of quiet, it is easy to see the rich inner worlds of othersBrushes of time, flowers and thread are used to tell these stories.
Q: Lastly, what do you hope to achieve with your creative career in the not-too-distant future; do you have any exciting, upcoming plans you would like to share with us?
A: I hope to continue to create and develop my artistic practice and share my work with others. It is always great to be able to exhibit my work and I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to get my work out there. It is so hard to get the true feeling of my work across on the screen so it is wonderful to be able to show people in real life.
I have a group exhibition coming up at the end of the year so stay tuned to my Instagram for dates and more detail.
We want to thank Marisa for taking the time to share her incredible work with us and encourage you to view more of her art by visiting her website, Instagram, or Facebook page. Enjoy!