TAOB Interviews Marilyn Brown

MARILYN BROWN
website is: http://marilynbrown.com and http://artwanted/marilynsart.com
email: mjb62235@yahoo.com

TAOB: Where were you born and what do you remember most about your childhood ?
Marilyn:
I was born in Milwaukee, WI but spent my entire childhood in Des Moines, IA. Summers were spent with aunt and uncles on the farms in mid state IA with many cousins my age. Since I was an only child this was a very pleasant time growing up. One of my aunts sparked my love for reading being an avid reader herself.
I had an older girlfriend who was very good at drawing and I loved to be with her and have her teach me drawing skills. I loved it so much that at the age of four, I drew with crayons on my bedroom walls. My parents didn't think I was much of a muralist and re papered the room.
I wrote my high school career paper on being an artist but was discouraged by my parents from that career. I was advised to do something practical, like studying to be a nurse, teacher or secretary. I went into nursing and became a RN. This was when nurses still wore white uniforms, shoes and caps and you could tell a nurse from a cleaning lady working in the hospital.

TAOB:Describe your art ?
Marilyn:
I have not had academic art training. I was only able to dive in headfirst into art when I retired at the age of 50 to raise a grandson. Then I became addicted and attended any class and workshop that I could find in the area. Myself and three friends started an Art Club where we could paint every week and hired a professional artist as our instructor.
I would now describe my art as being experimental and creative with a love for color and texture evident in most of my work. I enjoy the process of creating rather than worry about the product. My art is a playful experience rather than laboring to capture the exact predetermined subject. I want to let loose and let go and have my intuition lead my through the stages of creating a painting. I don't fear failures as they are learning experiences and some of my "failures" end up as successful paintings after being reworked or collaged.

TAOB: Why do you think art is important and how do you feel your art contributes to that purpose ?
Marilyn:
I feel that the art is the essential door to ones imagination. Art is a process of looking into oneself, art is an expression of the soul and not following the straight path of rules put upon you by others. It is your creation alone. I create because I was created. My art gives me freedom to be my own person. Art reflects the total of our society, the past, present and future.

TAOB:When was your first exhibit in Brownsville and how has the local art scene change to present day ?
Marilyn:
I think the first time I exhibited my work in Brownsville was in 1990 or 1991 at the Brownsville International Art Exhibit and I was pleasantly surprised to be awarded ribbons. I have exhibited there yearly every since then. I also have exhibited at the Harlingen Art Forum, Purple Parrot at Port Isabel, and at the South Padre Convention Center locally. I also had my works featured at the Albertine Art Museum in Metamora, Mexico.
Today there appears to be much more publicity and emphasis on the local artists. I am very pleased that he BV Herald has been doing regular feature articles on local artists. This was a rarity 10 years ago.
Our new Brownsville Museum of Fine Art is exposing the community to artwork they would not have the opportunity to see without traveling to Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Houston or Dallas. I am somewhat disappointed that more of our local artists have not become affiliated and actively involved with the new BMFA. It is no longer the group of little old ladies painting together but has expanded into a cultural jewel for Brownsville. BMFA has featured numerous local artists since opening the new facility three years ago.

TAOB: As an artist where do you think success comes from ?
Marilyn:
Each person has a different definition of success. I feel success each time I feel a work of mine is worth framing. Others might only feel success if someone else admires or buys their work. I don't want to paint to please others, if others enjoy and like my work that is a bonus.

TAOB: What is one of the struggles you think an artist faces on a daily basis ?
Marilyn:
Disciplining oneself to make the time to create, setting aside time to be in the studio without interruptions. Many artists struggle with being "accepted" by their peers and the public but fortunately I don't feel this way, probably this is because as a retired person I don't have to make a living with my art. I can just hope to sell enough to replenish my art supplies, go to workshops and buy more art from others I admire.

TAOB: What is your favorite type of music and what type of character would you say describes you ?
Marilyn:
I am not like any other "character", I am me. I like "oldies" from the 60-80's, soft rock, and classical music.
TAOB: As an artist what can you say you are afraid of ?
Marilyn:
I am FEARLESS, I love to play with my art, it is never too late to have a happy childhood, to toss and splatter paint.

TAOB:Tell us your view on any particular political issue local, state or federal, that is of importance to you?
Marilyn:
Immigration reform, we need to implement a new alien workers program.
The Border Fence: totally a farce in this area of Mexican and American neighbors.
Need to legalize drugs so the cartels and smugglers will be out of business as were the bootleggers when prohibition was lifted.
The economy: Not sure the stimulation plan will do much good. Limits should be set on all CEO's pay and bonus pay that are being provided money from the taxpayers. Our representatives in government should not receive raises in pay or perks during this serious recession.
TAOB:Do you believe in a community of artist to be beneficial, why or why not ?
Marilyn:
We need more interaction between artists and artist groups in BV and less competition. A city wide Art Council to coordinate community art events would be great. We need spokesmen for the arts in our city government, doers not just talkers. We need local government support for art to grow in our area. If a River-walk ever comes to being, artists should be a part of the planning stage.
TAOB:Besides family and art what else is important to you ?
Marilyn:
Peace among nations, tolerance of individual's ethnics, race and religion.
Alleviating famine worldwide
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"