Today we’d like to introduce you to Marian Ichaso Lefeld.
Marian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
While growing up in Venezuela, I always knew I was an artist. Although I received some recognition in school for my drawing abilities, being from a family firmly rooted in math and science, I received minimal encouragement for pursuing a career in the arts. Still, I managed to part ways with my family’s expectations by studying fashion design. I held a job in the field and profoundly hated it. It wasn’t until after I married, moved to the United States, and had children that I decided to go back to school. Taking classes at Brookhaven College in Dallas was life-changing. I finally found the encouragement I’d been missing from my peers and professors – all of whom became a great, supportive art tribe.
I later transferred to Southern Methodist University with scholarships, earning both a bachelor and a master degree in Fine Arts. Going to school later in life was a remarkable experience of learning and self-discovery. Finding the courage to pursue my calling was an incredible journey that continues to unfold. Like the vast majority of contemporary artists, unable to earn a living solely by making and selling art, I went on to work. Fortunately, I was able to land a job teaching as a full-time instructor in the art department at Dallas College Richland campus. I have been teaching college-level painting, art history, design, and art appreciation for seven years. I love teaching art and helping students develop a visual vocabulary of their own.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am grateful for the chance to work hard at work worth doing. Of course, there are always challenges and earning two degrees with a young family was not easy. My children were in school, and often I studied while they completed their homework. I also spent long nights and weekends in the studio at SMU, often painting after my children were asleep, while my husband Max stayed with them. Ultimately, my daughters and I encouraged each other, bonding over the experience of being students. I attended their school performances, and they came to my exhibitions. It was a tremendous gift.
The current pandemic presents certain challenges. Teaching online studio classes requires creative solutions for transmitting information through a camera. In face-to-face courses, we continuously work with our hands and discuss artwork in close observation. Art techniques are more challenging to convey but adapting the use of technology into a virtual studio class has proven helpful. It is also keeping me humble; the secret to teaching is that it is the teacher who learns the most. Fortunately, I have a tremendous passion for learning.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I work primarily in oil painting, but also in printmaking and installation. I always direct my gaze back to my country of origin, Venezuela, and its psychological and literal landscape of extremes. My work reflects the high density of the capital city, Caracas, which is an improvised place sitting over an intricate geographical valley. While the revolutionary experiment taking place in Venezuela for the past twenty years offers a discourse on socialism, and redistribution of wealth, the truth is closer to a profound polarization, communism and the creation of a narco-state. Sadly my country is a failed nation.
Color plays a vital role as well. The light in Venezuela is different, seemingly brighter than in the Northern Hemisphere. My work allows me to stay connected to my roots. I’m profoundly grateful for having shown my artwork in Dallas as well as abroad with exhibitions in Caracas, Amsterdam, and Buenos Aires.
An artwork is a conversation between the artist and the medium. Art takes time. The artist’s responsibility to capture and record what is living today should not be rushed. It is also essential to be aware of the historical context and its place in art; it is an excellent segue for seeking meaning. Artists often find great inspiration in art history, knowing who came before us – in my case, being aware of the tradition of constructivism and geometric abstraction, which emerged in Latin America and which is, perhaps, its most significant contribution to art. One must seriously study art history and strive to be informed of contemporary art practices.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Currently, I am working on an individual exhibition for the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas – a beautiful venue with two extensive galleries. This project is keeping me busy. The show was initially opening this November, but due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it will take place in 2021. I love the LCC’s beautiful building, designed by the late Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. I’m proud of showing my work in their spacious galleries next year! Also, I hope to be able to travel again when it’s safe to do so. I’m longing to go back to Venezuela to spend time with my family there.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the many excellent museums in the DFW area – The DMA, Nasher Sculpture Center, Warehouse, Kimbell, FW Modern, etc., as well as high caliber galleries. DFW International airport is also important – as an avid traveler, I enjoy visiting other cities and experiencing their cultural venues. Two years ago I spent five weeks in Vietnam and Japan on a Fulbright Scholarship. Most recently, I spent two weeks in Italy visiting museums and galleries right before the country shut down due to the pandemic.
I am also part of a professional artist group, meeting several times a year in each other’s studios to share our works and receive feedback. Most professional art practices occur in insular ways; it is essential to open up our studios and bring highly-trained eyes to engage and discuss our works critically. Dallas is home to so many great contemporary artists. There are very few things I dislike about our city. Perhaps I wish it was more pedestrian, with better public transportation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marianlefeld.com
- Email: marian.lefeld@gmail.com
- Instagram: @marianlefeld
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCaAYwMEYnxYqd8m26PoCMOA
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
