Marjorie Thompson is a self-taught contemporary painting artist based in Seattle, WA USA. She was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest region of the US and continues to live and work there. Her work is inspired by the natural beauty and landscape of the region.
Tell us your story, why did you become an artist?
I grew up with art. My dad was an artist and I spent lots of time with him in his studio. We painted together and he taught me everything he knew about making art. To grow up surrounded and immersed in art was very inspiring.
When you create a new work, how do you go about it? What comes first?
I start each work with no intention of what it will become. I use expressive marks and color to begin each panel. After many layers and turns of the panels, I begin to look for hints of landscape in the shapes. I begin cutting in the negative space in order to preserve the under layers. The paintings begin to take shape from there.
What can you tell us about your studio, what makes it special to you and how does it influence the way you work?
My studio is on the lower level of my home in Seattle. I can see Lake Washington, the mountain ranges and neighboring urban forests. My eastern view allows the sunrise to greet me in the mornings. It’s not a large studio, so it limits the size of my work, but the compact space is easy to move around with everything close and within reach. I’m currently building a studio in the eastern Cascade mountains. It should be complete in spring. It’s much larger and I will be surrounded by forest and inspiration.
Is there a work of art in your life that has especially impressed you?
I remember my dad talking about how art can be so moving to a person that it can bring tears. I never thought I would feel that way about an artwork until I saw the statue of Apollo and Daphne by Bernini at the Borghese Museum in Rome. It brought tears to my eyes. I’ve not had that feeling since, but I have seen a lot of amazing art.
Reach to the stars: where will you be in 5 years?
I want to see my art get larger with a greater reach. I want to see my art in more public spaces in order to bring a dialog with nature and create pause in busy lives.
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