About Marika
My process is a version of painting improvisation. As an intuitive painter, I begin with an intent that guides the painting process, and then I follow my impulse.
I like painting this way because I believe the creative process is most surprising when we engage it with an open heart. The result is not just a painting that expresses a visual concept but one that portrays an inner human experience or idea.
Color, adventure, movement, nature, symbols, spiritual challenges, mysteries, music, and learning inspire me. I love magic, storytelling, and connection. They are full of abundance and potential, the heart-and-soul food that binds my painting to the earth.
I am a life-taught painter. Watercolor painting is my first love which I’ve practiced since 2001. In 2015, I began my acrylic painting adventure.
I have been a featured artist by Northwest Artists Association and Magnolia Art Experience. My painting “Goodbye Adrian” was featured on the cover of the German magazine Raum & Zeit. I’ve exhibited at Sage Brush Art Studio in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, and at the Narthex Gallery in Seattle. My work has been collected in Asia, Europe, North and South America.
I like to follow my creative instinct which has led me to explore an extended writing project in 2022-23: The Synergy Romance Series. My first novel, Dear Mexico, I Love You is now available on Amazon.
I have over 20 years of teaching experience in various settings and disciplines. I have taught intuitive painting classes from my studio in Queen Anne, Seattle where I combined movement, meditation, intuitive practices, and ways to release the inner critic through painting.
I’m a passionate mother of two fantastic teenage kids. We have had many adventures traveling and rock climbing around the world. Seattle, Washington will always be home and in my heart.
My Mission
Painting has taught me a lot. It has gifted me a collection of little wisdoms that I’ve stacked like a cairn marking my path. I love them. They ground me and frame how I craft my art, writing, life, business and relationships.
Here are some insights painting has taught me:
Believe in Magic
Not everything can be explained with our limited senses. Magic is the smallest act; a perfect brush stroke, eye-popping shade of red, the realization of a long-awaited dream, and the way people interact. Magic is love, synchronicity, beauty, chemistry, and fun. Why not believe?
Cultivate an Inner-Coach
At its surface the creative process is a storm of emotion and activity, but just underneath is eternal. This gentle coach fosters growth and keeps me motivated. “You aren’t done yet,” it whispers. “Keep learning and growing. Even if it doesn’t look right, it is perfectly OK. You are on the right path.”
Pay Attention & Inspiration Unfolds
Stay present and open fearlessly to the abundance in your craft. It is always there even if you don’t see it. When you pay attention, inspiration multiplies and emerges from an epic abstract painting, an original song, a beautiful sunset, an awesome beach run or majestic mountain peaks. The world is fascinating. Look, trust, accept the pace as it is offered. Inspiration always comes.
Trust Yourself
Intuition is a guide best understood with the body. It is a quiet, wise, inner voice whispering wisdom that the mind doesn’t understand. Trust and listen carefully.
Creativity is a Learning Process
There is no such thing as a creative person. There are only people open to experiencing the creative process which includes a multitude of mistakes, blunders, wonders, learnings, and triumphs. Commit to the creative tools and techniques of your desire and dive into your creativity. A creative life is for everyone.
Let the Vision Emerge
Be clear about your values and act in alignment with them. Clarity allows a vision to emerge. It takes time and patience but trust it. Sometimes the outcome is completely wonderfully surprising.
Love,
Marika
Hi Marika, love your art work, just wonderful colour and detailing…warm regards Karen
Thank You Karen! Thank you for your courage to share yourself and your lovely personal art on yours.
I am on the same journey, I still have a bit of work to do and I feel the same way. There are days my dream is my biggest enemy.
Thank you!!! I think that is the process. What we want most is also the most scarey. I’m reading War of Art right now, a good read and relevant to that idea.
I am sure as I get further along I may end up asking you some questions . If you don’t mind of course.
I’m no expert, but I’m happy to share what I learn. Ask away and I’ll return the favor. 🙂