Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Bradley.
Hi Marilyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Charleston and I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. I still have all of my sketchbooks from my childhood that are filled with drawings of animals both real and imaginary, flowers, portraits, and illustrations of my favorite fairytales. I don’t ever remember a time when I didn’t want to be an artist or when my parents weren’t incredibly supportive of my dreams of having a creative career. Throughout elementary and middle school I was always awarded “Most Creative” or “Most Artistic” in my class superlatives (which only encouraged me further!) When being recognized for one such award, my 8th Grade History teacher said “Marilyn was always drawing on her notes but not just doodles – she was drawing historical figures, moments in time, full-blown wars!” In high school, I choose to focus on visual arts, eventually enrolling in the advanced placement program which lead to entering (and winning!) a few art competitions and creating a portfolio. I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go as I entered my college years but eventually made the decision to withdraw after just one semester and tried to discover a new path. I found myself working for a local glass studio as an artisan, creating stained and fused glass artwork and recycling glass bottles into functional pieces of home decor. This really broadened my horizons and allowed me to explore new mediums that I had never previously considered working with. After seven years of working with glass, I was ready to pursue something that was truly my own. My friends and family were always encouraging me to put my own work out into the world so I decided to register for a business license and start selling original work. I started creating custom gifts and pet portrait commissions – always ready to accept a new challenge and attempt new ideas. I have since exhibited my work at several local and regional comic conventions and even participated in an online creator exhibition during the lockdown in 2020. I currently manage an art gallery in Downtown Charleston while continuing to grow as an artist and explore new creative opportunities. My journey as an artist has felt very slow at times but I know as long as I continue creating, I will always be learning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! If anyone claims to have had a smooth road as an artist they’re probably lying! I feel like anyone in a creative career, no matter the medium has always had those familiar feelings of self-doubt and “imposter syndrome.” There have certainly been some setbacks and I found myself asking if I was really pursuing a viable career or simply a fleeting dream. I was comparing my work to other artists and wondering if I would ever be able to be an artist full-time. There have been several times that I have put my artwork on the back burner, allowing several months to go by without stepping foot in the studio. I have since learned that no one’s journey is ever the same and 9 times out of 10 your own thoughts are your only obstacle!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist that specializes in animal portraits and commissions. I could never choose just one medium to work in, but I’d have to say my favorite is watercolor. I love the way the paint flows and dries; it’s always so different from how it looked wet. I have always had a love for nature so there was definitely more gravitation toward creating pet and animal portraits. I have been known to do portraits of people and architectural paintings in the past but I really love the forgiveness of painting the likeness of a pet over a grandparent or a child! I think because I am always adding new mediums and tend to paint in a more illustrative style, my work lends itself to having a little more personality than just a photo-realistic portrait. I especially love when there is a story behind the subject, so each piece is like its own little fairytale. I am always so proud when someone receives their commission and I get messages of how much they love it. I’ve even received a few videos of my paintings being given as gifts and that is always so incredibly special.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I don’t know if this is surprising (especially for people who know me) but I am very shy about promoting myself and my artwork. I am such an introvert and have had to learn how to be extroverted throughout the many years of working customer service jobs. When it comes to my artwork, I never want anyone to feel like I am trying to sell them something or to come off looking like I think too highly of myself. I am so thankful for friends and family stepping in when I bomb an opportunity to show off my work. In fact, my best friend is the one who encouraged me to take part in this interview!
Contact Info:
- Email: Artofembr@gmail.com
- Instagram: @artofembr
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/artofembr
