Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Valencia
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?
In 2014,I founded Mystic Herbs Shop and become a full-time Artist & Performer in Las Vegas,NV.I have been hired to perform and sell my artwork from Los Angeles to New Mexico and now,excitedly in Ocean City,Maryland.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a Queer-Latina Artist and Small Business Professional has brought many challenges from big cities to small towns I have lived in the last couple years,but also opportunities for me to learn how to better organize and create more equitable spaces,opportunities & events on behalf of POC/LBGTQIA Artists.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multidisciplinary self-taught Artist who specializes in creating colorful paintings,murals and hand made Accessories small to large.I am most proud of my ability to create with many mediums, recycled and upcycled materials so as to not forget about long-term sustainability in whatever I am creating.
There are alot of Artists,focused on creating digitally right now and I think that digital art is cool but I prefer/deeply love the process of creating with my hands and using different tools,materials or even mixing them.Creating like this,I feel sets me apart from alot of my art peers who are moving towards more digital creative pursuits.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re just starting out,try to make simple goals that evolve over time.Create things just for you without worrying about if others will like it.There’s so much power in each individual Artist’s imagination,it’s what makes original art speak volumes before ever having an audience.
The money will follow,know your worth and don’t let folks convince you to work for free.(I wish I knew that not all opportunities are going to be right for me and could let go a little more in the beginning,have fun y’all -it’s your journey!)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticherbsshop?igsh=NnZkMDVwaDV5ZjJt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marievalencia.art?mibextid=ZbWKwL
