We’re looking forward to introducing you to Margaret Larabel. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Margaret, 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 are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m feeling called to explore new territory with my art. I think in my 20’s and most of my 30’s I was trying to fit into a genre and really conform to a unified ‘look’ with my work- but in a way, that was a struggle because I think you can only truly be yourself and have your own voice. I’m putting less restrictions on my creative process now. I think certain frameworks and formulas that artists use can be good, and I don’t want to confuse that. What I’m talking about is more personal. Previously I limited myself out of fear and I’m breaking out of that. I’ve been working on paintings that reflect these new approaches. I’m excited about my new pieces and I hope it will resonate with others too.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Margaret, and I’m a fine artist who creates nature inspired paintings that live somewhere between the real and the surreal. My work blends muted, dreamlike palettes with unexpected bursts of color and detail; a balance that captures both serenity and wonder. I often describe my style as magical realism or pop surrealism, though lately I’ve been exploring more abstracted versions of these worlds as I push my visual language in a new direction. My paintings are rooted in appreciation of the subtle beauty around us. They are an attempt to highlight the hidden magic of the everyday or a stunning moment of nature’s unrivaled splendor.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I believed mistakes were a really bad thing. I thought that if I made a bad piece or art or I messed up on a drawing that it meant I wasn’t a good artist. But that only means you’re learning and actually getting better. I used to let set-backs stifle me creatively and otherwise. But now I’ve learned that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Making bad work is going to happen- it doesn’t mean you’re a bad artist or that you should quit. Now I use it as learning opportunities and benchmarks.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of looking bad- or the fear of “being cringe” as they say now haha. But it really is true, if you’re not okay with doing something poorly at first you’re never going to do it!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I am true to myself in almost any given situation. I don’t have a persona I lean into or a facade I put on in public- I also consider myself outgoing with a good sense of humor.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes- I really enjoy participating in art fairs. Whether as a displaying artist, or attending for research and networking- I find art fairs to be a really invigorating and vibrant experience. When I’m participating in them, its a lot of work, but also so rewarding and thrilling to spend a weekend connecting with collectors, art lovers, and fellow artists. I always leave feeling a renewed sense of motivation and inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cohart.com/mglarabel/profile
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mglarabel
- Other: https://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/1878159
