Heres the Featured Young Artist interview for the website, her name is Marie Simpson.
Interview continued from All About ArtHaus Volume 2 Issue 2, 2009.


What is your earliest art memory?
I can remember being an artist as soon as I picked up something I could write with. The earliest drawings I can remember is when I would use pencil on notebook paper depicting images and events from everyday life like landscapes and my family.

What helped you to decide to go into to art as an elective at school?
Deciding to take art as an elective was an easy decision for me since I already enjoyed art as a hobby. I wanted to learn more about art and spend more time making art.

What kind of career are you hoping / planning for? Where are you going to get your degree?
I am hoping to one day become an art teacher or art therapist. Community involvement in the arts in any way would be a plus for me. I have an AA degree at Daytona State College and I am finishing prerequisites for entering into a BFA program. I will most likely transfer to one of the Florida state colleges.

Who is your most admired artist?
This is a hard question but I would have to say Georgia O'keefe because of the way she depicts beauty in natural objects.

Do you have any advice for young artists?
Don't be afraid to follow your dreams and don't let anything keep you down.

How would you describe your style or goal as an artist?
My goal as an artist is to show the beauty of things in everyday life as well as to express any emotions that I have inside. My love for nature always works it's way into my art. I create representational art as well as nonrepresentational.

Who do you feel has helped you realize your artistic self?
I would have to say my grandfather because even when I was young we would always set aside time discuss and look at art together. I looked up to him since he was an oil painter and he taught me what he could in person and through letters he would send me in the mail. Mrs. Ring, my high school art teacher, also helped me by encouraging me to enter my art into contests and for display in the community.

What inspired you to volunteer at ArtHaus?
I was initially inspired to volunteer at ArtHaus beginning in my art classes at Spruce Creek High School. Mrs. Ring encouraged me to be an artist for the Port Orange family days sidewalk art festival during my senior year. I also remember visiting ArtHaus to see some of my fellow classmates work displayed in the gallery during exhibits. Those experiences helped me to want to volunteer today.

Scrub Oak, soft pastel



Rose Bay, tissue paper



Still Life Vertebrae, oil paint



Pelvic Bone, oil paint



Uncertainty, Calligraphic print