Bay Area Artist Marissa Arterberry creates art that speaks femininity, spirituality, and emotions, while telling a story that captures it all with each and every piece. Her use of color is fantastic and would not only add a pop of color to any room that it is in, but will also add and exude the spiritual creativity and passion that Marissa captures into what I like to call sacred art.

“What Black women go through on a daily basis often makes them act in a tough, harsh, or even rude manner to get what they need or gain respect. As a result, many of us end up being in defense mode all the time-at home as well as in school or at work-because of the trials we endure. The media has taken what is a painful reality for many Black women and played it up to the extreme so that when we're out in the world, people fear us and treat us like ticking time-bombs waiting to explode. So many of us have no soft place to fall in life because all we've experienced is a sharp reality. Within my artwork, I express the Black woman's many dimensions, the joy, the love, and the sadness, and sometimes the canvas simply becomes a soft place for a Black woman to fall.”

Marissa chats it up with us about her art, her inspiration, and of course her creativity:

ymib: Why is creativity important to you?

Marissa: Creativity is like breathing for me. Whether I’m painting, dancing or writing, it brings me in tune with myself and the world and gives me peace and joy. I believe it’s a vital part of my well being.

ymib: How would you describe your most creative spot/atmosphere?

Marissa: I have a couple of spots where I am most creative: I love to create art in my home, which also functions as my art studio. I’ve covered the walls with my own colorful drawings and paintings, as well as the works of other Black artists. When I enter my space, I feel affirmed and inspired.

When I want to unleash my creativity through movement, I enjoy going to Oakland’s Malonga Casquelord Arts Center for Afro Brazilian dance class. Dancing takes me to another place, and also makes me feel very healthy and present in my body. And there’s something about the sound of the drum that is supernatural. And finally any place in nature, whether it’s a park or the ocean. I go to these places so I can hear myself think, and watch life manifest itself all around me. It reminds me that no matter what happens, the cycle of life continues, and that makes any problems I may have seem very small.

ymib: Favorite Arts/Crafts/Fashion magazines or shows?

Marissa: I absolutely adored Suede Magazine, and I’m sorry it’s gone. Fashion magazines have never inspired me, but this one did. Suede really made the connection between high fashion, vintage clothing, and the aesthetics of the world’s cultures. I’ve got a ton of pictures I cut out and saved from Suede for inspiration. I also enjoy ymib.com immensely. The whole site—the articles, the layout—it’s like a breath of fresh air. Anytime I feel a little down or out of whack, I log onto ymib.com and it brings me back to myself and my purpose.

ymib: What have been some of the biggest challenges with being an artist, starting your own business, and promoting your work all at the same time...what advice would you give to other aspiring artists?

Marissa: The most challenging element is finding the time to do it all! I’m in school as well, so I have to divide time for my business between studying and homework deadlines. Because of this hectic schedule, discipline is important. It’s tempting sometimes to say, “I’m gonna let that project slide until next week and just hit the club.” But in the end, I know that the hard work I put in now will only benefit me later, so that helps me stay on track.

The advice I would give to other aspiring artists is don’t give up! Many people may tell you to move in another direction with your life in the name of financial security, but if it’s your dream to be an artist, stick with it no matter what. Also, look to your community for avenues to get your art to the people. Whether you’re showing at the flea market, community center or the library when you’re starting out, you’ll find there are many people around you who are willing and able to help you. And as word spreads and more people know your work, it keeps getting easier. A book that is filled with resources and has also boosted my confidence as an artist is “How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist: Selling Yourself without Selling Your Soul” by Caroll Michels.

ymib: How would you describe the style of your art?

Marissa: I would describe my art as brightly hued and life affirming. It’s meant to bring joy and a sense of self to the viewer, particularly the Black female viewer. My favorite moments are when a Black woman looks at my art and comes away with a smile or tells me she feels good about herself.

ymib: Favorite artists past and present?

Marissa: My favorite artist of the present would have to be Karin Turner. She’s a Bay Area artist known for her colorful paintings of Black mermaids. Her work and her career inspires me to keep moving forward.

My favorite artist of the past is Frida Kahlo. She truly put her whole heart and soul into what she painted, even when it was painful. She serves as a reminder to stay true to myself and my vision, something that’s very important to remember in today’s commercially driven art world.

ymib: What art products/tools could you not live without?

Marissa: “Golden” acrylic paints, and wood. I love painting on wood because each piece is unique. I especially like using wood pieces I find in thrift stores or on the street. They have a lot of character, and it’s also a great way to recycle.

ymib: Other than painting, what other things do you like to do to express your creativity?

Marissa: Dancing is one of the most sacred ways I express myself, because I feel connected to my ancestors when I dance. I also write a lot of poetry. I’ve been writing poems almost as long as I’ve been drawing and painting.

Be sure to check out Marissas artwork and tees by visiting her website and as her as your Sister friend here on ymib!