Artist's Statement
I believe that everyone is creative.EVERYONE. I belive that any time we think, act, problem solve creatively, we are connecting with the creative energy of the universe. I don't believe creativity stopped on day six... For me, this creative energy was especially useful after being diagnosed with cancer in 1999. When I didn't feel like cleaning my dust but painted it instead, "Dust Mites" got me signature status into the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. My Tamoxifen induced "Hot Flash" series numbers 31 works. When I blew out my MCL/ACL ligaments skiing, that inspired "First and Last Run of the Season", "Falling for the View", and "Slide Show".
I work backwards. I enjoy the process of putting paint on paper, and then I decide what to make it into. Sometimes I have a plan but my paper has a different plan. I've learned to be flexible. Sometimes I create works of social commentary or spiritual significance including "G.O.D. Is Everywhere", "Toward Extinction",and "Ozone Warning". Other times works are pure figments of my imagination. For me, doing watercolors is like raising children; the more you try to control them, the less success you have. But if you go with the flow, you get interesting results- never what you had in mind....
SHARING WITH OTHERS IS THE KEY TO CREATIVITY
To this end, I teach my creative thinking approach to watercolors in Maine and Virginia. I am available to do workshops for groups and was recently one of two presenters at a creativity and healing workshop at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Manchester, N.H. Said one student, "The workshop made me see life with a different perspective. I also like that I can explore painting without being able to draw."
For a schedule of workshops and art shows, check my website or call to arrange to see work at my studio.
I have sold over 1,300 original works of art since starting to keep track in 1983.
A boring bio of awards, corporate collectors, and solo and group shows is available upon request.
marnilawsonwatercolors@hotmail.com