Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Kay.
Marissa, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
As a kid I got put in time out for coloring on the walls. As a teenager I got in trouble for drawing during class time. As a college student I always tried to tone down my painting style. Now as an adult I get sought out to permanently tattoo people the way I see fit. To be fair I never really quit coloring on walls; I just learned to be a little more slick and not do it behind my living room couch. It was always apparent to me that I would end up in the art/tattoo industry. Having a career in which you’re allowed to continuously grow is truly fulfilling; I’m humbled every day I wake up that I get to do what I do.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Although I work with almost all mediums, I am predominantly an oil painter, watercolorist, and tattooer. All the art I do tends to focus on the human experience- What is it like to depict this in an uncensored, truthful way? When it comes to painting I tend to focus on more shocking/distressed images. My painting style is very raw and emotional. When it comes to tattooing however I try to bring out more positive/resolved feelings through my work. In a weird way I almost paint the past and tattoo the future. As different as my two approaches are, they both still reflect what it’s like to go through this journey of life. It’s really all just a rollercoaster of never ending ups and downs.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
As social media and other digital outlets have become more popular and accessible, I think it becomes very difficult for artists to create without worry. What I mean is with how wildly publicized our every move is, it becomes hard to create art without a constant fear of judgement/criticism. Messing up is a crucial part of the artistic process- it is what allows us artists to learn from our mistakes and become better. Navigating the harsh environment that social media constructs can sometimes feel impossible. I think it is important for everyone, but especially for artists, to remember that we aren’t perfect- and that’s okay.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I do art shows periodically around Southern California; I always announce any upcoming ones on my art Instagram. (@marissakayart) As for tattooing you can see my work on a separate page (@marissakaytattoo) My paintings are always for sale at every show I do and I’m always accepting new clients at my tattoo shop!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/marissakayart
- Email: marissakayart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/marissakaytattoo
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