GWEN: Mary-Linn, I’m so happy to introduce you and your art to my readers! Please tell us where you live and how we know each other. Mary-Linn’s art
Mary-Linn: I live in Colorado Springs. I was fortunate enough to take one of your amazing workshops a few years ago. Since then I’ve been involved in your monthly critique group. You’ve taught me the value of other’s opinions and how much the camaraderie of other artists can help with motivation.
GWEN: Are you actively marketing your work?
Mary-Linn: Up until a few years ago I was very involved with shows and events here in Colorado. I have had a few physical set-backs and decided to collect everything and spend some time deciding what I would like to do next.
GWEN: Are you a full-time artist or do you have another career?
Mary-Linn: I turned 70 this year and am in the fortunate position of having the time to decide where I want to go from here.
Mary-Linn: I mainly use acrylic. Over the years I have learned to use about any medium that will get me where I want to go. I love breaking rules! I spent years working in porcelain clay. In fact, I recently returned to clay for a short time and realized how much I missed it.
GWEN: What was the biggest challenge you faced starting your art career?
Mary-Linn: I never really expected to have a career in art. I was married very young and didn’t finish college. When my children were grown I decided to go back to school. I enrolled at California College of the Arts in Oakland, CA. I chose art as my major, graduated with two art degrees cum laud and there you have it. I was immediately launched into an amazing career! I lived in Sonoma, CA then. I was teaching seniors art and showing at various little galleries in the area.
GWEN: Tell me about your biggest success to date.
Mary-Linn: A gallery in San Francisco saw my work and asked me to have a show. It was right on Union Square and I was thrilled! The show was a great success. They asked me to stay on and I couldn’t paint fast enough. It sounds great but I was doing it all myself without anyone there to represent me or protect me. I have never been able to paint to sell. I start with a piece of charcoal or marker and just see what wants to come out. Soon I was burned out. They were charging exorbitant prices and I didn’t know how to ask for what was fair to me. I had gone to an amazing college but had learned nothing about contracts or marketing. I pulled out of the gallery and decided to just paint for myself for a while. It was soon after that I moved to Colorado Springs. I have loved being out of the pressure of a big city but am ready to get involved again. I want to just follow what feels right but I will never try to do it all by myself again.
GWEN: I’ve had some glorious failures–how about you?
Mary-Linn: Shortly before moving here a friend asked me to do a show in Boulder, CO. I came a week early and spent the time at my cousin’s ranch outside of Woodland Park framing and preparing for the show. I had done all the work on birch wood and the paintings were extremely heavy. We rented a trailer and arrived in Boulder to find the gallery had no lights. We hung everything and then ran out and bought about candles hoping it would illuminate the art. We lit the candles and waited. Except for family and a few friends, no one came. It was an expensive adventure but it was what gave me the incentive to move to Colorado and I’ve never looked back.
GWEN: Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?
Mary-Linn: Gwen, your enthusiasm for other people’s work is electric! You’re able to see beyond what I see when I’m working on a piece and give a nudge. Your loving delivery helps me to continue forward. You’ve helped me to believe in myself again and given me the courage to start putting myself out there again.
GWEN: It’s thrilling to watch students find their creative voice. You’re so talented…it’s a joy to coach you! I’m looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful paintings. Thanks for sharing your story!
Email Mary-Linn Benning at mlben2@msn.com
