An Inspired Chat with Mardilan Lee Georgio of Santa Clarita Valley

We recently had the chance to connect with Mardilan Lee Georgio and have shared our conversation below.

Mardilan Lee, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up, feed my dogs, head to the gym and then start with the business of art- dealing with emails, preparing finished work for exhibitions etc. I work in my studio for a few hours each day whenever possible. I also run 2 households and have various errands that I fit into my schedule. I make dinner for my husband and myself, feed the dogs and take them for a walk. Sometimes I return to my studio in the evening to work, study or prepare for the next day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mardilan Lee Georgio and I’ve been training and working in fine art for almost 10 years. As a child, growing up in Southern California, I trained in classical ballet and studied in San Francisco and New York. I continued to study and perform in many different forms of dance for most of my life. I raised my 3 sons with my husband before discovering my passion for fine art. I work in pastel, watercolor and oil. I enjoy painting landscapes, seascapes, figures and animals. Currently, I am working on a series of California missions in pastel. I visited all 21 of them and spent time painting each of them en plein air.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My ballet instructor, Sheila Rozanne, fostered a strong sense of discipline in all of her dancers. We were required to work hard and strive for excellence. Her studio created professional dancers that joined companies such as the New York City Ballet. I worked very hard for 10 years during which I was accepted to dance with them at the Greek Theatre at 11 years old, and then to intern with the School of American Ballet at 16 years old.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I was painfully shy growing up and felt insecure about my physical appearance. This is related to my ballet training as it was common for dancers to be underweight. I did not feel pretty enough or thin enough for many years. When I look back now, I am sad that I missed out on some activities because of those insecurities. I think too much value is put on physical appearance and I would tell my younger self that. It’s more important to show kindness and compassion to others than to worry about physical appearance.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Coming from a small family that broke up in my teens, I didn’t have many close cousins. My only brother was 8 years older and we were not close. When I met my Italian husband at 17 my parents were divorcing and I lived with my mother. He happened to have 44 first cousins in the same valley where we grew up. Needless to say, I knew nothing about large Italian families. What I eventually realized was how special it was to be surrounded and supported by family. I feel blessed to have joined this Italian family and to have my own children who are so close to their uncles, aunts and cousins. My husband and I have continued to teach our sons the importance of family and devotion to each other.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I am still learning about the art world, with which I had no previous education. My recent and continual training has helped hone my skills but there’s no substitute for putting in the time at the easel. They say it takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to become an expert. I’m not there yet but I have been fortunate to find success in competitions and sales, which has helped me stay motivated. I believe my hard work will eventually lead to achieving my goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.MardilanLeeGeorgio.com
• Instagram: Mardi Georgio
• Facebook: Mardilan Georgio Fine Art