"I'm actually lost in my work; in the nirvana of it," says painter Marcy Misata describing the freedom and joy she feels when creating her art. "The other parts of my life don't exist when I'm painting. I give it my total energy, total sensuality, my total feeling for that person or that brush stroke."
It is that enthusiasm and devotion, which produces the brilliant vibrant works of art Marcy is known for. Referred to by many as "Salida's favorite artist," her unique impressionistic style is reminiscent of the greats she admires.
"My first love was Matisse, who gave me a sense of line I really liked. Then I was fascinated by Lautrec; then the color of Chagall; energy of Van Gogh; and the abstraction of Picasso."
Marcy's working studio and gallery, Soho, located in Salida, Colorado is her dream come true. It is here she spends 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, expressing superbly the energy she feels within or from the subject she's painting. "When I come down, I immediately start into my work," she says, adding that she also often dances before she begins painting. "The physical part of me is very important to connect with the energy of my paintings ... to connect with the color and happiness I feel ... and the essence of color I'll use for that day."
Saying the colors just come instinctively, Marcy laughs when she relates how many have told her that the style she has is suggestive of Peter Max. "When I came up with my style, unconsciously, there's a touch of him. People tell me that," she says, explaining that she uses a lot of primary colors and directs off of that.
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But there's something else about Marcy's work. Something different to describe, but felt within the heart of the beholder of her paintings. It's as if her paintings are alive with numerous emotions, exhilaration, and joy; you get the distinct impression her work is a direct reflection of the life she lives.
"As a child, I was always very connected with nature, and I was very sensitive to a lot of things. You'd find me in the stone quarry picking violets for my mother; picking the raspberries and blackberries, and swinging off the vines."
Saying her early inclinations naturally carry through to her work today, she now lives in a mountain home surrounded by wilderness where she enjoys hiking and biking. It's finally the life shes always wanted, "I love Salida. I'm here to stay."
From portraits, commissions, and whatever she feels inspired to do, all of her works are in high demand. With a diversity of mediums (including oils, acrylics, pastels, monotypes, as well as painted jewelry, glasses, vases, and dishware), Marcy says she does her art for her own happiness ... for her heart and soul ... and that "people really connect with that."
And Marcy loves sharing the painting experience with others, so much so that she actually allows people to observe her as she works at Soho. "I find it quite interesting, myself. I never thought I'd get to that point. I look at it more as if I'm actually teaching them something while they're watching me. It doesn't bother me at all. I'm aware they are there, but at the same time, I'm not. And I love to talk to children. I love to watch their expressions and excitement; I want to open the doors to their soul so they can find the true artist within themselves."
Grateful for the support and direction her father gave her early in life, as well as the friendship and encouragement of other artists such as monumental sculptor Chris Byars, Marcy has a deep desire to encourage others to follow their dreams.
"Pursue it," she says emphatically. "Pursue it with determination. Don't let go of that dream, because when you do, you're letting go of your soul. Hold on to that intention, your perseverance; hold on to your vision. That's the answer. Not everyone finds what they love to do in life so they can be happy doing it. I feel so lucky that whoever ... whatever ... angel was there. This is my destiny. I don't believe in selling out on any creative, compelling dreams. I'm a firm believer in sticking with it, and I'm so happy I did that."
And many others are happy Marcy did that, too.
Visitors are welcome at Soho, 112 E. First Street, Salida, Colorado, phone (719) 530-0130 or (800) 539-3786 code 1234. Those who come will find this fine gallery exceptionally attractive and alive with a sparkling fountain, beautiful music, and a varied selection of paintings, vases, crystal balls and bowls, and much more. And, of course, you'll get to meet Marcy Misata fulfilling her dreams at the easel.
This
activity is supported by funding from the Colorado Council on the Arts, a
state agency funded by the Colorado General Assembly and the National
Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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