Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisabel Bazan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in Panama, I have always been a creative person and performer. I initially moved to LA in 2003 to pursue my music career and was signed to a record label before I really channeled that creativity to my artwork.
A dear friend of mine, Jeff Cahill, who was an amazing painter, was actually the first person to create space for me to paint. He always encouraged me and showed me the endless possibilities. He gifted me my first canvas and since that canvas, I’ve never stopped painting. I started with stencils, spray paint and magazine cutouts and that quickly evolved into experimenting with different mediums. I’ve always been fascinated with street art and public art installations which widened my vision and propelled my inspiration even more.
As I was creating, I got into a flow of expression and I wasn’t questioning; I was just feeling. That feeling has been a big driving force that kept me inspired and helped me build a collection at the very early stages of my art career.
I started reaching out to companies and people that I knew that could carry my work in their hotels and corporations. At the same time, I took my collection to a gallery in Panama and started to gain recognition. With that recognition, I started knocking on doors and proposing my ideas.
I realized early on that I had to treat being an artist as a profession and a responsibility. I started treating it like a 9-5 job and I believe that has helped me to get where I am.
I am always thinking about how I can progress and move forward. I am proactive, curious, and I have big dreams which is what keeps me growing and helps me see how I can better connect with & inspire people.
My whole painting career has been like a gift from the universe and I was in a place where I was open to receiving it. It became very intuitive and as I took on the responsibility, I embraced that in its totality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say that it has been a smooth road but I feel like the struggles we endure along the way are kind of our identity as artists. As we are developing our craft and really trying to be certain about who we are as artists and being true to ourselves, it can be challenging at times to embrace the process, journey and internal dialogue.
It is very much a self-discovery and that can be a hard transition for a lot of people. As artists, naturally we have doubts and are often going against what society is saying. I would say that the most challenging part for me was finding what I am here to create and share with the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in mixed media art on canvas, sculptures, murals and public art installations.
I have repeatedly explored the butterfly motif as a widely recognized and accessible symbol reflecting this concept within our culture. I often create paintings, murals and sculptural “Butterfly Oasis” installations, blending light, color, and texture into a kaleidoscopic canvas mirroring integration and diversity for social and cultural engagement.
What sets me apart from others is my own journey as an artist. As I apply my knowledge and human experience to my work, it becomes a practice of self-healing and inspiration that I love to share with others.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m excited to share that I currently have a solo exhibition at the iconic Magic Box at The Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles curated by Exxhibit.
As well as “The Migration of My Dreams”, a sculptural installation, which is on display at the Newport Beach Civic Center Sculpture Garden.
Also, I love when people come to the studio! Connecting with people that are intrigued by art or creative spaces brings me so much energy and inspiration. I am really looking forward to having studio visits again so… Come by for a visit!
HANDLE WITH LOVE
Contact Info:
- Email: info@iammarisabel.com
- Website: https://marisabelbazan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisabelbazan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mwashere
Image Credits:
Aimee Levi, Ezequiel Aizenberg, Kimberly Biehl, Ryann Wenig
