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Hidden Gems: Meet Marcee Musgrove

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcee Musgrove.

Marcee Musgrove

Hi Marcee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always created, even as a child, and loved painting, carving, sewing, etc. I was born in Michigan and raised to be practical; art as a job was unacceptable. After many jobs and moves, my last gig was with the census bureau, which was ending, and I was thinking about what was next; the only answer was I wanted to paint! I deep-dived into all education I could find: printmaking, fiber arts, and oil, water, and acrylic painting. Then, I secured mentors whose work I admired for the next few years. I love experimenting with many mediums, which always brings a fresh look at the techniques and processes utilized in my Acrylic Paintings. The process is my favorite part, and joy keeps me pushing for the next “surprise” that appears both planned and unplanned. I feel lucky and blessed every day I get to create.

Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The only struggle I felt was finding a studio/place to create outside my home. I quickly discovered that if I stayed home, I would be constantly distracted by home life, family, and obligations. I went to some very dicey places; one was a warehouse in Davidson, NC, that was not heated or cooled; in the summer, I would have to stop when my sweat would fall onto the canvas. I moved 6-10 times in 6 years; it sometimes felt impossible, but this woman had painting in her blood, so I had to keep hope alive and adjust my expectations. It allowed me to meet many good people by all the moves. I appreciate each place as it added to my collective creativity in hindsight.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Marcee Musgrove?
I have been a sole proprietor since I was 27 and opened my first business. It’s part of why I felt safe starting an art career; I fully knew the business side and expectations to generate opportunities to show and sell. It took me 5-7 years for my art to catch up to my business acumen. It’s okay, but it took time for me to hone my style, and I am proud of my creations and genuinely love the pieces I have produced. Because I waited so long to start, I am only in my 14th year and, by request, will occasionally produce a reproduction. I have so many thoughts and curiosity that I only want to make originals.  I primarily produce Impressionist/Abstract pieces, though sometimes reality will creep into my work.  I constantly read about artists and visit many galleries and shows wherever I go; I love to learn the hows and whys of art and enjoy incorporating that knowledge into my pieces should it resonate.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During COVID-19, I discovered that I was entirely extroverted and felt very lonely in my studio for months. I found this so curious that I deep-dived into the whys of it all and came out determined to find great happiness in solitude instead of looking outside myself. I was highly productive during that time; it took about 3 months, and then I knew I would be okay by myself for long periods. This is a big step in my mental outlook; my cats love it, too. I ate healthier because I had to cook everything, I seemed to have more time, and I could be fully present for more hours while creating rather than thinking about what errand or person I should call.

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