It’s Our World to Create Together …

Mariel Kay’s Story .

Growing up under a strong career focused mother and an entrepreneurial, creative McGyver type father, I never doubted my own abilities; I truly believed in hard work and knew that my future was more than bright. I’ve always been programmed to take on the riskier challenges in life. I started in the fashion industry, managing several different retail teams and helping them to grow until seven years in, I knew I needed a change. During my seven-year stint at Nordstrom, I was consumed with learning about human psychology, fashion, and how to sell products to many different types of customers; which made me want to pursue a career in marketing.

After completing my Master’s in Marketing and advertising from the University of Leeds in England, I realized this strangely unique combination of creation, business, and logic was all I wanted to do, for the rest of my life! Fast forward to three different marketing jobs that left me feeling unfulfilled, anxious and longing for so much more passion, color and creativity...It was only then that I realized how these companies were grooming me to achieve something much bigger and brighter, and something that I was actually happy to do every day.

As an admirer of art, I’ve done all sorts of crazy things from a young age - clay, paints, arts and crafts, up-cycling furniture, I enjoy it all. However overall I have always felt there was a lack of support in actually pursuing a successful career as an artist from school, family etc.

During a painting I created while finishing my masters dissertation, living in and enjoying England (Roller Coaster Beauty Queen for reference) I remember just how happy that moment made me because I truly loved what I was creating and knew that this was a passion I had to continue with. Art found me because I had the passion and inspiration to create beautiful things; which now includes clothing, home decor and other accessories, this is literally my dream come true. I hope you enjoy my special pieces as much as I do!

Why Art ?

As a business owner, there aren’t many avenues I would consider to pour my life and soul into, but art and fashion are definitely a few, oh and don’t forget all of the marketing I get to do! There’s also a real driving force that inspires me to create and produce things. I attribute my aesthetic to the pleasures I pick up from the beauty and simplicity of everyday life as well as the most grandest of visions...and I hope my art and product line really reflects that!  

Bright colors, bold designs and abstract art has always been my space; it holds a place in this world for me to be aligned with my creativity every step of the way - it’s not meant to look logical. It can be anything that ANYONE wants it to be, it’s never right and it’s never really wrong. It’s truly something that comes from deep within my soul, that I hope can do something similar to others.

What does your artwork represent ?

I mainly create from emotions and feelings that have built up inside me and that I have been able to reflect and grow upon. I have a tendency to be a very nostalgic and emotional person, which I love when reflected in my paintings. They are loud, fun and colorful..and always full of magic I think. When I wear my clothes with art printed on them I feel special and I feel the power that comes from wearing something unique and unlike anything else you’ve ever seen.

My Inspiration .

Naturally, I don’t picture anything when I start painting; things start happening, a color reminds me of an emotion or story and it just flows from there. As I paint, it leads me somewhere unintentional but coherent. A bit of red and pink, it’s something romantic and sensual... Shades of blue and purple transfer me back to the fountains from my past travels and the reflections I’ve seen dancing across the water... Nature, sunshine, animals, people, feelings, bodies of water, anything can truly inspire and lead me to something absolutely magical and it all reflects in my artwork.

How I Create .

Crazy, erratic abstract energy is always my way to go. Different textures, layers, and patterns are very important to me in the layering process which can be seen and felt from my paintings. Generally, a feeling or a vibe inspires me to start a painting so I just go with the flow.

Salvador Dali once said, “Just because I don’t know the meaning of my art, does not mean it has no meaning” and that is the quote I live by when I create my paintings.

Art Means To Me …

For me, art, and especially abstract ANYTHING is mostly about creating something from nothing. In contrast, imperfections make art more charming, worthy and overall more unique. Art is for everyone, and that’s what truly inspires me as an artist. Anyone can be an artist no matter what they were told as a child or an adult; whether it’s journaling, photography, painting or drawing, it’s all creation and just a way for us to make this planet a more beautiful, sane space for each other.