Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Watson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
If someone had told me ten years ago that I would be an artist and freelance designer, I would have politely smiled in agreement and then had a hearty laugh about it. I’ve been a maker my entire life but wasn’t until a few years ago that I considered myself an artist. Actually, someone had to TELL ME that I am an artist. This career path was revealing itself to me my entire life, and looking back on it, the signs were always there.
As I child I was always making and building. I didn’t play with my dolls; I built them houses and communities. The creative obsession followed me throughout my childhood in various forms; attending summer art camps, designing dream homes on graph paper, taking art classes with my grandma, and playing every build-based computer game available to a 90’s kid. In elementary school, I started my first business with a friend. One year, our school opened a little student store that sold small toys, and our classmates quickly became obsessed with these tiny sticky plastic frogs. My friend and I turned our pencil boxes into little frog homes, and before we knew it, we were designing frog houses for a dollar a piece. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but this was my first taste of entrepreneurship, and I would also find out years later that the woman who ran that student store is the mother of the man I’m marrying in a little over a year and a half.
In high school, I took photography and art courses every chance I could. When I was approached by an art teacher and invited to enroll in an AP art class, I politely declined. I wasn’t interested in creating art in any sort of serious manner; it was all just for fun. My goal was to be a psychologist, and I was fully prepared to spend 8+ years learning the ins and outs of the human psyche. A year into studying psychology, I decided it just wasn’t for me. Without a set path to follow, I was forced to step back and reconsider what my strengths and interests really were. I eventually landed on interior design, the perfect balance between practicality and creativity. My new major’s prerequisites were centered around art, I had entered a new world and was loving every moment of it. As the design courses became harder and our professors harsher, I found myself looking to art as an outlet. These early paintings were mine. No one, especially my professors, could critique the art I made for myself. By the time my final design project came around, I was painting daily.
I partnered up with a close friend for my final design project, her outlet of choice was dancing. At the time, I was using the top of my microwave as a paint drying rack while my partner was dancing in an empty space she could find. Our passionate frustration helped us contrive a place we both wished existed, a massive all-inclusive creative complex. We spent months researching local studios, gallery spaces, and the steps of the creative process. I fell hard and fast for the creative community we discovered while designing that final project, so much so that walking away was not an option. I still enjoy interior design and spend about half of my time doing just that, but in my eyes, nothing beats making something with your own hands.
Please tell us about your art.
I am constantly adding new products to my art line up. I am currently focusing on coasters, digital collages and portraits, vinyl stickers, planters, and of course original works of art.
Although I dabble in most mediums from time to time, I primarily use alcohol inks and epoxy resin. When I first discovered fluid art, I started painting ceramic tile coasters as a way to explore colors, techniques, and mediums. It was never my intention to make them long term, but I enjoy making them, and people enjoy using them, so I have no plans of stopping! The textures found in these small tiles are captivating but are hard to see on a screen, so I started taking high-resolution pictures of them to share with my followers. I now use these pictures to make funky mid-century modern inspired digital collages. My tiles also achieved their original purpose: I have found both my medium and technique of choice, alcohol inks and fire. The whole process is a combination of control and chance, each painting session brings its own surprises.
Every single piece I make starts with a curated color palette. It is very easy to make a muddy painting when all of your colors inevitably mix together, and I try very hard to avoid this. I am and will always be inspired by the colors found in nature, specifically in California. I find most of my palettes by scrolling through my camera roll; there are so many hidden colors to be found in a simple landscape shot. Like the landscapes that inspire me, my pieces are colorful and intricate; in order to truly appreciate every detail, you must take the time to pause and explore.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I don’t think that the role of artists has necessarily changed, but I do think we have a lot of work to do right now! Art as a form of activism and awareness is not a new idea; in many cases, art has played a pivotal role in documenting and influencing historical events. There are countless issues going on in the world today; it is almost impossible not to become overwhelmed. There are so many things to be concerned about these days, so many topics that need to be brought to light and discussed; honestly, it is hard to know where to begin. I’m privileged enough to not know where to start; not everybody gets to pick what they’re most angry about.
Current events don’t directly affect my art, but being an artist and surrounding myself with creatives has definitely given me hope for the future while art itself has given me the outlet to express myself when I can’t find the words. The creative community is so empowering and encouraging; it doesn’t matter where you are from or what you look like, we bond over the beauty we share with the world.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Instagram (@molly.wat) is definitely the best way to keep up with my art. I post new work regularly, and I share process pictures and videos in my stories on studio days. I also use Instagram to share commission schedules, discount codes, the occasional flash sale, and any other art related updates. I will be selling my work at local markets in the coming months and will be sharing that info soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: midmoz.com
- Email: molly@midmoz.com
- Instagram: @molly.wat
- Facebook: facebook.com/midmoz
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
