Marian
Mekhail is a lot of things. In her own
words she’s an oxymoron, she’s earthy, she’s a free-thinker, she’s OCD, she’s
Egyptian, she’s an artist and that is just the tip of the iceberg. As I peeled back the layers there was more
than meets the eye when it comes to this artist.
Like the fact that she has nice “handles” on the ball court and not a
bad jump-shot to go with it. Or how her
strict Christian-Egyptian upbringing plays a major role in her life to this
day. From there the conversation goes
toward the historical persecution of Coptic-Christians. “Last year 21 men were beheaded on the shores
of Libya for their faith as Coptic-Christians.
It’s the reason why I have this tattoo of the cross on my wrist. It’s a tradition in the Sudan. The women will tattoo it on their forehead
and in Egypt they put it on their wrist.
It’s a sign of proclaiming your faith and that’s important to me” she
says. Like I said….layers. Her family moved around a bit from San
Antonio to D.C. to Los Angeles before finally settling in Dallas. The 28 year
old spends her days as an operations manager for a medical staffing firm. But its what happens outside of those hours
that brings us to talk outside on a gorgeous evening in Bishop Arts.
IT: What led you to do what it is
you do now or how did you get started?
MM:
Art has
always been my outlet. Sometimes I don’t always know how to articulate what I’m
trying to say or my emotions and art has always been my outlet for that. I was always into arts and crafts so when it
came time to choose an elective in high school I naturally picked art. My art
teacher gave us a sketching assignment and once she saw what I could do she
took it upon herself to take me under her wing. So I participated in lots of
art competitions and even won at a state competition in Austin. When I attended the University of Texas at Arlington I played basketball but I
would still sketch in my off time for friends.
Once I got out of college I started doing art shows. So I’ve shown at
several different galleries in and around DFW.
What is your opinion of the art
scene here in Dallas?
I think that Dallas art scene is
impressive although I don’t think people realize how big it actually is. I think there are a lot of people here that
are really into art but don’t know where to go to find it.
Photo Cred: Emily McCartney
What has been your experience
being a female artist positive or negative?
I would say that males are noticed
more than females. I haven’t had any
direct negative interactions but when it comes to pricing your work I think
it’s harder to get top dollar for your work as a woman. And then there are the interactions for
commissioned work with males where initially it starts off as a business
relationship but then they want it to be more personal and then when it doesn’t
go their way I’m perceived as mean just because I want to keep the relationship
strictly business. Sometimes they don’t
even want to pay for the work I was commissioned to do. It’s a slap in the face. So now I’m a little more cautious.
What inspires you?
The simplest thing can inspire
me. I can see things as I’m out and get
inspired. Every little thing inspires
me. Even my heritage.
Photo Cred: Emily McCartney
Well I was going to ask how your
heritage impacts your work?
Well I’m Egyptian. My dad is Nubian. Something about the power of Africa inspires
me. Like my next series will be in the
same vein as the photographer John Kenny who captures these amazing images of
sub-Saharan African photography of African people. On my last visit to Egypt we did a Nile
cruise and went to Valley of the Kings and to see the paint on the wall after
centuries and to know that quite literally my people created paint I felt
compelled to continue my art.
What gives you the most joy in
doing what you do?
The look on my clients face when they see my
work and they’re thrilled. And knowing
that I’m using the talent God gave me to bring joy to other people.
Photo Cred: Emily McCartney
What is it in your opinion that you
bring to the table artistically that is unique to you?
I think I bring a different sense of
emotion when it comes to my work. I get attached to my work. I think there is a sense precision when it
comes to my work because I am so analytical.
Not to mention there just aren’t very many Christian Egyptian female
artists and I’m proud to represent that.
IT: Ok, so what’s next?
MM: I’ve got two series in mind that are
African inspired and I’m dabbling in abstracts which is a departure for me
artistically. I also have my illustrations featured in a childrens book entitled "T Sees An Island" which is available for pre-sale on www.tanilamb.com
You can check out Marian's work here
You can check out Marian's work here
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