Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Renaudin.
Hi Marie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began creating art at a young age and was very lucky that I had access to my mother’s painting materials. My grandmother was an incredibly talented watercolorist, and my mother works in encaustics using wax and dyes from her own beehive.
Creativity has always been my biggest joy in life. Daydreaming and imagination when I was young led to active ideas I have to this day. I started to take art seriously in college, after switching Studio Art from my minor to my major. I originally majored in Psychology, and while I still plan to go into counseling, I found a perfect fit for my career in Art Therapy.
Today, I work on multi-media paintings and sculptures alike, and I have recently finished my thesis portfolio. I’m a freelance artist inspired by feminist ideals, introspective reflection, human connection, and the cultivation of experience. I plan to attend grad school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the fall and continue using my art and creativity to drive me to authentically connect and understand others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think in a creative field of work it’s never an easy journey towards working towards your goals. My biggest struggle has been doubting myself as an artist. It is so easy to compare your work to others, and admiration for others can turn into guilt or uncertainty towards yourself.
Looking to other artists for inspiration has been both beneficial and detrimental to my work in so many ways. Inspiration fueled my drive but also hindered my confidence in my own ideas. Spending a lot of alone time with myself seemed to be the best way I could come up with authentic ideas for my work. Paying attention to my patterns of thought and perception, and intuitively tuning into my emotions has led me to more honest and original work.
I would consider my journey to have just begun. Finishing my undergrad in Art Education has given me so many new and creative ways to approach art, as well as refine my skills, but I know I have so much more growth to do.
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 a freelance artist inspired by feminist ideals, introspective reflection, human connection, and the cultivation of experience. A day-to-day routine for me is a lot of studio time spent sketching, painting, and researching the possibilities of current and potential art projects.
My specialty in fine arts is an oil painting in portraiture and figure. I have a very broad collection, and I do not like to limit myself in terms of style, medium, or body.
I feel the most proud of my work in portraiture. I feel my skill set and work ethic are shown best here, and I enjoy the process of portrait painting more than anything else.
What do you think about luck?
It would be naive to say luck has no card to play in creative work. There are so many talented and capable artists in the world who may never receive the praise or success they deserve.
I think I have been lucky in my opportunities to work with other artists, gallery owners, and art educators, but I also believe it is possible to seek this luck out! Participating in as much as you can, whether that be an exhibition opening, an artist talk, or seeing new galleries will help with connections as well as inspiration.
I’ve learned that getting involved is so important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marierenaudinart.com/
- Instagram: @marierenaudinart
