Marian E Seiders
Fallbrook, CA
Age 69
What keeps you excited in the studio?
I teach art in my studio, and having students and seeing how enthusiastic they get when they learn, keeps me enthusiastic. I have several files and idea books which have a ton of ideas I want to try, so I go there if I’m not sure what I want to do next.
Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed?
I have gone from getting something good one time out of 10 tries, to now being able to do pretty much anything I want. My toolbox of techniques has grown over my life, and I am still learning new things to apply. I’ve taken workshops/classes/visited artist’s spaces, talked to artists and gotten my art history degree. I’ve taught art in Middle School for 26 yrs which has clarified my thinking about art and what an artist should know. During all of that, my eye for composition and quality has grown, as have my skills. Now I show my work regularly and am confident that my work stands up against my peer’s art. That has taken a lifetime of growth and development.
What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?
For me, art transforms lives and touches all aspects of our modern lives. Most of what our society IS has come from artists. Cell phone signals invented by Hedy Lamaar, actress, the steam engine invented by artists turned engineers, clothes we wear, the books we read, the visuals that are all over advertising and the internet, our sense of history, the music we listen to, etc. etc. etc. The artist’s role is to question the old, see the new, and push our society forward. It has such an impact on how people perceive the world, think about it, and react to it. The Artist’s role is to make people think and question and invent, as well as to remind us of human potential and the the beauty around us that we tend to take for granted.
What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist?
Go to classes, read about art, talk to artists, try new things and persevere even when it’s discouraging. The more you know the better you will be.Too many see that it’s hard work, years of practice, lot’s of failures, and isn’t easy. The ones who get through all that are the ones that become artists. There are no easy roads to getting there. Just…keep…going.
Does age matter in art? Why or why not?
In some ways. I have seen very young artists that have a mature style and sensibility and that are better than you would believe for their age. Having said that, I think age gives an older artist more experience and skill over years of learning that the young artists will exhibit also, given time. I think in some ways older artists take art making more seriously. But, in the end, age doesn’t much matter if the artist takes it seriously and intently wants to improve their craft. It’s about intent and skill which can be exhibited at any age.
What can we look forward to from you next?
I’m teaching new artists and spreading art making as far as I can. I feel many people have an interest but no understanding of how to go about getting better, or they feel frustrated because when they try they become discouraged at the product. I want to teach that anyone can make art, maybe not as good as Picasso, but enough to enhance their lives and the way they look at the world after learning. I will continue honing my skills and making art till I die. I think it’s a great way to live a life. I’m open to whatever art opportunities come my way.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life?
Retirement is wonderful for artists, it allows you all the time you need to explore and make. I am so thankful to have something that gets me up in the morning and still excites me like it did when I was younger. I meet all kinds of people at art shows, and I get to encourage people to learn. But, perhaps most important is that my best friends are artists/art lovers, and that family that I have built over the years is invaluable later in life for support, ideas, and a love of the beautiful. It’s tight knit and a joy to have and be part of that community.
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