Today we’d like to introduce you to Artist Marrin Lee.
Marrin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My creative journey towards becoming a Multidisciplinary Artist has been non-linear, albeit colorful. Today, I paint, draw, choreograph and write poetry as a personal creative meditation and to navigate life as a deep feeler in my new role as Mother.
When I graduated from college, I had a degree in Marketing and zero desire to sit behind a desk or computer. From that point, I was wholly committed to pursuing a creative career- although not at all sure what that might look like for me.
I jumped into life as a professional performing artist when I went to dance at The Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris. At this same time, I choreographed YouTube videos and talent shows. I production assisted for a regional theater. I answered phones at a larger theater’s box office. I performed at birthday parties. And I found teaching.
At first, I taught dance as a way to supplement my income while I auditioned for shows and fumbled for career direction. It turned out that I absolutely adored facilitating the growth of young artists and was always (almost, haha) energized by their pure love for dance. When my daughter was born, I knew I would want to scale back on my time spent with the kiddos and pivot into an expression that was more accessible to me long-term and in this new phase of life.
When my Artist grandmother passed away a few years previous to my becoming a mother, I had started abstract painting as a sort of grieving process and found that this loose, unpressured flow was the magic I was seeking. Then while navigating all of the extreme feelings brought on by Postpartum Depression, I found this same magic in writing poetry.
Shortly after Lilou was born, we moved to a new town and I found myself feeling both physically isolated and creatively frozen with that PPD. As a way to meet other mamas in our new community, Lilou and I started a baby music group called Mums & Drums. We meet up with about ten other babes/parents weekly at a local park and have participated in local craft fairs and corporate events. Mums & Drums has scratched my performing/teaching itch while connecting me with other creatives (and fabulous new friends!) in SLO.
So here I am today, a Dancer/Choreographer/Painter/Illustrator/Poet/Teacher/Mother or, “Multidisciplinary Artist.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would have nothing to say as an artist if the road was a smooth one. For example, while responding to the last question, my toddler managed to rip off her diaper and subsequently go #2 directly onto the floor. Right in front of me. And this is a very very very mild bump in the road.
Life as an Artist/Mother is hilariously unglamorous. But there is SO much value in sharing these moments. Historically, the mothering experience has been painfully shushed and I cannot even begin to fathom the depth of story that has been shuttered by familial expectation and gender roles. I didn’t really get it until I GOT IT.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As a Multidisciplinary Artist my medium changes often, but my “why” stays consistent . . . I seek to find harmony in dizzy chaos, value in imperfection and friendship in shared experience.
Currently, I am producing artful apparel as part of my Moody Nudies series which celebrates female complexity and maternal mental health. I am also self-publishing a poetry book by that same name due out midsummer!
I am most proud of my creative resilience and commitment to honest storytelling.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother and my grandmother have played the biggest role in my embracing art and the confidence to create. Now that I am a mother myself, my appreciation and gratitude for them has swelled enormously. My husband has also been endlessly encouraging on this destination-less journey. Finally, all of my creative friends and peers whom have provided me opportunities and inspiration.
Pricing:
- Apparel, $15-50
- “Moody Nudies” poetry book (coming soon), $12
Contact Info:
- Website: marrinlee.com
- Instagram: marrin.lee
Image Credit:
Olive Juice Photography (for Mums & Drums photos), Kathleen Briggs (for Moody Nudies photos)
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