I became an artist to escape helplessness and oppression. A survival tactic I stumbled across while growing up in MacArthur Park in the early 90’s. In my writing, drawing, and singing I felt in control. While my father delighted in my creations, my mother warned she hadn’t sacrificed everything only for me to become an artist, so I hadn’t planned on it.
Nonetheless, I continued to turn to art to escape abuse, loneliness and grief with little to no guidance. Like a creative underground railroad, art had freed my mind from victimhood and trauma. Now, I passionately teach art in communities in need, nothing seems more important.

Instagram: @artfullmarlene and @crewnative