Marley Williams is a 19-year old fine artist from Maryland. Her work is colorful and gives off a psychedelic vibe. We talked to Marley about her work, her growth as an artist, her ambitions, and more. Browse through a gallery of Marley’s artwork below. Then, read our interview with her that follows.
ARTWORK
INTERVIEW
A lot of your work has a psychedelic style. Has your art consistently been abstract and colorful? Or has your style transitioned over time?
No, it hasn’t always been abstract. I started drawing basic realistic concepts and that paved the way for me to really get comfortable with more abstract styles.
How long have you been creating art? And what inspires you to create?
I’ve been drawing for a long time, but I didn’t get serious about it until high school – where I took as many art classes as I could. The fact that I can convey anything I’m feeling into a piece – my release is my inspiration to keep going. I always look forward to making new pieces because even I don’t know what I will create next. That’s what keeps it refreshing and unique.
Who and what inspires your artwork?
Everyone I interact with on a daily basis has some sort of impact on me and that transpires into what or how i will paint that day. I can be inspired by the simplest things like how the different colors of green look on a leaf. I admire artists such as Mark Chagall, Egon Schiele, and the expressiveness of Frida Khalo and Basquiat.
What goals do you have for yourself? Do you want to become a full time artist?
I have many goals for myself as an artist. I eventually want to open up my own gallery. I want to help young artists of color to have a voice in the art world. I plan to travel and make art as a career in the future.
What’s the biggest challenge that you face when it comes to creating?
The biggest challenge I face is when I have artist block – but sometimes I feel it’s good to take breaks to rest my mind because I’m not a machine. When I go back after I take a break, more thought goes into it and I’m not rushing to get it done.
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to find his/herself as an artist?
I would say that no one can limit you. Anything is possible and your mind is more powerful than you think, so use it to your advantage. Get out there and get out of your comfort zone because you will be exposed to so many bigger and better things. Make what you want and do what you want to do with your art, no matter how it looks be confident and own your creations. That’s one of the first steps to self acceptance.
Follow Marley on Twitter and Instagram. Check out her website here.