We recently had the chance to connect with Randy L Purcell and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Randy L, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I like to start my mornings by taking our dog, Jagger, for a walk. After that, I’ll do some light exercise or stretching before fixing my coffee and heading out to the back porch. That’s where I spend time sipping my coffee, reading, and reflecting. I started this routine a few years ago, and it’s done wonders for clearing my mind and making me a happier person.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Randy L Purcell, and I’m a visual artist based in Maryville, Tennessee. About 15 years ago I developed a unique process of transferring ink from recycled magazine pages onto beeswax-coated panels. The result is a mosaic-like surface that carries both vibrant color and a sense of history, memory, and storytelling.
My work often explores connections to place, architecture, music, and the natural world—each painting represents something like piecing together fragments of memory. Alongside my studio practice, I’m also developing the Mystery Art League, an immersive art experience that combines fine art with puzzles and storytelling. Visitors step into the role of detective, studying the artwork closely to uncover hidden clues and solve mysteries woven into the exhibit.
What excites me most is creating work that makes people slow down, look closer, and find meaning in the details—whether that’s through my paintings or through an interactive experience like the Mystery Art League.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by encouraging people throughout my life. Growing up, I looked up to family members and close friends who served as role models and helped shape the direction I would take. That path eventually led me to my wife, Tracy. She’s the one who gave me the push to pursue art, and that decision has allowed me to live a life that truly feels like the one I was meant for. Without her encouragement to go to college and discover my passion, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The one thing I remember as a kid was that I had very little confidence. I would just reinforce the fact that “you’re doing fine. Stop worrying about what others think and just be yourself.’ I look back and see that when I started believing in myself my life got better.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I’ve tried to be someone that fits into any crowd, but I’ve come to realize I’m just a person that does this because I truly care about others. I don’t change who I am to fit in, I just genially care that others are comfortable being around me. I like to laugh, I like to have interesting conversations, and I like to connect. As an artist that spends a lot of time working alone, I do enjoy getting out and meeting people at events and finding ways to contribute to my community.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope to be remembered as both a true friend and an artist who created with purpose. For those who know me personally, I want them to feel that I genuinely cared for them and their families, and that they mattered to me. For those who know me through my art, I hope they see my work as something I poured myself into—creations I was proud to make, and pieces that were worth the time and effort to bring into the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://randylpurcell.com
- Instagram: @randylpurcell
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randylpurcell/
- Twitter: @randylpurcell
- Facebook: @randylpurcell
- Youtube: @randylpurcell
