Marianne Philip

I grew up in Long Island, NY, near the ocean. To this day, I’m still inspired by nature and landscapes, water and rain.
I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Early/Middle Childhood Education from The Ohio State University 1979-1987. While at OSU, I took an art class and realized I liked painting. As a self-taught artist, I let my creativity flow, trying not to have any preconceived ideas about the end result. This allows my results to be raw and unfiltered. I hope that others experience that escape and feel as if they can take their minds to the settings within each piece.
Before the pandemic, I was drawn to darker colors and shadows. My process of creation had always been, and continues to be, a refuge from my past and present struggles with opioid addiction as well as from symptoms of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Since the start of the pandemic, I have experienced increased isolation and loneliness. Since spending more time on my own social distancing, my creativity and productivity have increased. I now find myself drawn to brighter colors, in contrast with the bleak reality we are all living in. I wake up at first light and work on art projects and continue all day until nightfall!
In May 2020, I was a featured artist in Columbus Alive. The article was based on my solo show at Fresh A.I.R. Gallery. Later in the year, with my Stroll through Central Park painting, I was Signature/Feature Artist for the annual Art in Recovery at Fresh A.I.R. Gallery.
The pandemic has taught me that I can find my creative sanctuary regardless of what is going on with the world and no matter what tools I have at my disposal. Rather than using traditional paints and brushes, I use household materials. I want people to understand and appreciate that anyone can be an artist and that often times the mediums we need to make are things we already own.