Check out Marisa Rivera’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Rivera.

Marisa, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Originally from Flagstaff, I now make art out of my home in Chandler, Arizona. Growing up in Flagstaff instilled me with an intense connection and appreciation for nature, and in particular, the cycle of seasons. Therefore, I am often outdoors soaking up all of nature’s little details. The seasons and all things nature have played a major role in shaping my artistic vision. Generally, if I am not outdoors hiking or camping, I am indoors making art, baking for others, or getting into some sort of craft project I found on Pinterest.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I make artwork on canvas with acrylic paint, and on watercolor paper with mixed mediums (ink, pen, watercolor, acrylic, pastels). I would describe my art as abstract, with an ethereal, cosmic, and delicate feel. I have always been interested in abstract painting and illustration work, but after the passing of my dad, my heart was broken open. It was then that I began painting in my current style; stars. I took from the heartache an intense appreciation for the hard parts of life, and I gained deep gratitude for sadness. I wanted to display my “beautiful sadness” in my art, so I began painting it with stars.

I am deeply inspired by opposites, or contradictions of the world and beyond; perfection and imperfection, night and day, life and death, something and nothing. Additionally, I take much pleasure in nature’s little details. Therefore, as an artist, I seek to balance contradictions and natural details with emotion, experience, and existence.

I am fascinated by the scale of everything. Our lives seem so large, yet we are so small. I really get a sense of that smallness when I look at the stars, but I also realize that I can make a huge impact on the lives of the people around me, no matter my size. When I examine a tiny vein structure on a plant, I feel large and realize there is so much detail within the everyday things. When I share a compliment or mail a letter to another, our hearts expand, and we each are important and valuable. I want my art to communicate to viewers that no matter how small or large, it’s the little things that make an impact. The little things make up the big things, and each star I paint adds to the whole.

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I think the biggest challenge artists face today is self-doubt. Speaking from personal experience, I know as an artist, I can be very hard on myself. I often find my “inner critic” telling me that my art is “not good enough” or that my art “doesn’t compare” to others and that I’ll “never make it” as an artist. I still hear this “inner critic,” but when the negative messages creep in, I ignore them and continue doing what I love to do; create. I just feel that if artists believed in themselves and their own personal style more, we would have even more beautiful art in this world! We need to follow our unique artistic voice and create what feels good to us.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can see my work on Instagram. I post new art daily, and always enjoy interacting with the Instagram art community. I am currently in the process of creating my website, so people can support me by visiting me on Instagram.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 480-399-5799
• Email: marisa@marisariveraart.com
• Instagram: @marisariveraart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MarisaRiveraArt
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/marisariveraart/marisa-rivera-art/

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