MARJORIE FARRELL

Marjorie has created art in some form since she could hold a Crayon.  Sometimes, it is still one of her favorite mediums.  She has worked in fiber, clay, acrylics, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, and pencil creating sketches, collages, assemblages, paintings.  Her most recent work has been in acrylics and pottery.  She has a degree in art history and has worked in galleries and museums in Seattle and New York State.

Prior to moving to Michigan 12 years ago, Marjorie lived in Woodstock, NY where she worked in a stock photography business for 20 years as a researcher, curator, and photographer.  Along with selling her stock photography images, she exhibited her photos in shows throughout New York State.

She has won awards for her art in New York and Michigan.  She is an exhibiting member at Northport Arts Association, Oliver Art Center, Crooked Tree,  and has been selected for four group shows at the Dennos Museum.  She has also been in four ArtPrize Exhibitions in Grand Rapids.

Recently, Marjorie and Walt Farrell have had a building constructed on their property which houses 2 studios—one in which to create and one to house their art collection, library, and couple of comfy chairs to relax and be inspired in a creative environment.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to Northport Arts Association.  My creativity was unleashed and has bloomed since joining Northport Arts Association.  Here I have found my safe place and my people.   I have mentors, friends, supporters all who encourage me in my work to go further, add more,  tell more stories with my art.

Art is as natural and necessary as breathing to me.  As far back as I can remember, I have thought about, looked at, created art.  I admire many styles of art, but I paint what I feel about a subject, not as I see it literally, in my own style.  

I admire many artists throughout the ages, and am especially moved by Frida Kahlo for her vibrancy and honesty.  She painted her world as she saw it. One of my first collage wall hangings was a repurposed short kimono embellished with scenes from her life.  I was moved by Frida decorating her boots and created a pair in her honor.  I painted another pair I think she might have worn. 

My paintings often turn into collage.  I love color and texture.  I also love simplicity.  I may start with one style and end up in another.  I am open to the influences of my Muse.

Last year I returned to an early love – hand build pottery.  With the encouragement of my instructors and fellow students, I have gone far beyond my initial dreams.  I have made holders for pens/pencils/dried flowers or flower vases (if they don’t leak).  I have sculpted masks and objects with no specific purpose than to be looked at.  I have created miniature Follies, like the Victoria garden architecture.  They are irregular, slanted, perhaps even incomplete.

I have learned much from Northport Arts Associations teachers like Denice Goldschmidt who encourages me to find my own voice and forget sometimes what should be on the canvas, Tom Woodruff who taught me to observe, see, and draw, with a whimsical voice.  Also Linda Bayer who taught me the joy of dotting.  Most recently, the staff and teachers of the Pottery Studio who encourage me to rediscover my love of pottery, to express myself in clay, and to experiment, “Just try it and see what happens”.

I continue to explore my creativity, knowing it will always surprise me.