Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Johnson. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Mariah was born and raised in Grand Blanc, Michigan and fell in love with the possibilities of the process of creating during her childhood. Surrounded by the endless entrepreneurship and artistry her mother and aunts had, she was always challenged to think critically when rendering her creative process. Her mother and aunts learned to sew as young girls and as a result, most of them are creative business owners. Mariah grew up surrounded by artistic talent, often aiding her mother in threading a needle or two or offering design ideas for her mother’s event planning business. Her natural talent for artistry was nurtured slowly during her youth as she regularly enrolled in art classes. She has been involved in many forms of art such as dancing, singing, painting, drawing, mixed media, and jewelry making. From the moment she realized the essence that transpires while she paints, she devoted countless hours to refining her craft.
At the age of 19, Mariah created Everything Artsy Co. in September of 2017. Since then, she has maintained a website, online presence on multiple social media platforms, participated in multiple fairs and exhibitions, been featured in British Vogue, completed multiple commissioned pieces, and painted hundreds of original pieces of art. All while going to school full time and working part-time, she maintained her artistic abilities. Mariah now resides in Dallas, Texas where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a minor in painting and drawing at the University of North Texas. She now plans to continue her path of artistry by traveling the world. While traveling, she plans to document her adventures and use the methods practiced in other regions of the world to fine-tune her artistic style.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have had a lot of struggles and challenges along the way. I started my art career at the same time I started painting and that was very difficult. I wanted to share my entire artist career on social media. Most people try to create the perfect illusion of their life on social media and that includes artists too. To be taken seriously as a business or a professional people expect perfection. I really struggled with posting and sharing something so personal to me with the world knowing it was imperfect. I entered a lot of contests, artist grants, art fairs and I was unsuccessful in securing them. My family was supportive in their own way, but ultimately, it was clear they believed my choice to be an artist was just a hobby and not a passion. I spent every free hour I had molding my business, from the ground up, on my own to succeed. Most artists don’t have the support we need to truly nurture our craft. We deal with constant rejection and opinions from the world, but we continue to create work that inspires us. I think artists are some of the most persistent and determined people, we have our personal struggles, but we never give up our love for our craft no matter the obstacle. It’s our passion that keeps us going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I don’t believe in constricting artist to just one type of art or subject matter. Growing up my parents had me involved in many types of activities. I sung in the church choir, I learned how to play the violin, piano, and the saxophone, I participated in gymnastics, ballet, tap, and cheerleading. I think the more you try new things, open your mind, and step out of your perspective the easier it is to find yourself and what you enjoy doing. For me, that is creating art in its various forms. I specialize in creating abstract paintings. However, I also actively practice photography and videography. I focus mostly on depicting nature and emotions. Painting abstractly allows me to have boundless artistic freedom. While painting natural things like flowers and seascapes grounds me. My love of textures and reflection stems from my love of fashion. For as long as I can remember I have always been a fashionista. I am always coming up with ways to elevate an outfit or a piece. Usually through the incorporation of glitter, rhinestones, glass, beads, and resin.
I am most proud of how far I have come as an artist. When I first started painting significantly, I didn’t have any real skill or ambition. I loved flowers and abstract art, but I had no idea how to develop an idea and then paint it. Four years later, I have a formula that works for me that helps me create the work that I love. I continue to grow my skills as an artist by continuing to learn new techniques and by using different materials.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Dallas is the diversity. Dallas has so many different cultures, ethnicities, and places to belong. I love that Dallas Fort Worth has multiple cities that contribute to the unique experience that DFW offers its residents. What I like least about Dallas is the weather. I am from Michigan, and I have lived there my whole life up until two years ago. It is significantly warmer in Dallas than it is in the summer in Michigan. I can’t enjoy the summer weather here like I would in Michigan.
Pricing:
- $35
- $150
- $200
- $500
- $1,000
Contact Info:
- Email: eac2everythingartsyco.com
- Website: https://www.everythingartsyco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingartsyco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Everything-Artsy-Co-112179138045863
