Artist Marie Magnetic’s Journey in Creating Art on Social Issues

Marie Magnetic is a self-taught visual artist from Chicago who uses paint, collage, and found objects to tell stories about her life and the lives of others. In this interview, Marie talks about how her experiences as a queer, Jewish, Indigenous, and neurodivergent woman shape her art, which often explores social issues and everyday struggles. She also shares her creative process, her love for experimentation, and how she uses her work to challenge how we see the world.

As a neurodivergent artist, Marie Magnetic uses color, form, and surreal images to make sense of humanity. Pulling from her experiences as a queer, Jewish, and Indigenous woman, she uses social issues and events from the everyday to explore society and share her experiences and inner world with her audience. Other than a handful of community art classes she has taken at community art centers, Marie is self-taught. Marie Magnetic (b. 1989, Jackson, Michigan) is a Chicago-based visual artist. She was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University in 2017, working in social services and several library roles before returning to art during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Marie held her first solo exhibit at Little Broken Things in Chicago. Marie is a Foundation House, Haven Foundation, and New York Foundation for the Arts grant recipient. Additionally, her work has been published in Haus-a-Rest, HNDL Mag, and Modern Renaissance Magazine.

Marie Magnetic uses paint, collage, and found objects to create art that explores both her own life and the lives of others. Through her art, she reflects on the mundane, the morose, and the magnificently mad, while also considering the experiences of being othered. Her art practice allows her to examine dystopia, delight, and delusion in society.

Her work is inspired by her experiences as a Jewish, Indigenous, neurodivergent, and queer woman. Growing up in a small town in Michigan, she witnessed people struggling with addiction, mental illness, disability, racism, and poverty. She is interested in educating and informing others about social issues through her artwork.

Influenced by absurdity, surrealism, and satire, Marie aims to engage her audience and play with color and form. She enjoys experimenting in her art, exploring a world where familiarity and the unknown merge. As an artist, she strives to think about the world differently, question societal norms, and consider a greater social consciousness.

1. What inspired you to become an artist?

I believe I have always been an artist. From a very young age, I have been making art on a regular basis. I won a few awards for student art shows during middle and high school, partially due to the mentorship and guidance of my art teacher. In college, I majored in psychology, but would still draw from time to time or take “wine and canvas” classes with friends. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I decided to start making art again, and I haven’t stopped since.

I am interested in educating and informing others about social issues through my artwork.

Marie Magnetic

2. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

Everywhere. I am a very observant person- I like figuring out how things work or why people act as they do. Most of my art reflects my experiences or what I see in the world- politics, human rights issues, social justice. It is important to me that my art says something and makes people want to engage more in making the world a better place.

3. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

My mixed media painting, “mother, may i?”, is special to me because it is a homage to my late mother. She passed of cancer and our relationship wasn’t what I wanted it to be. Working on this piece made me feel more of a connection to our relationship.

4. What role does experimentation play in your art practice?

Essentially, my entire practice revolves around experimentation. I like to use mixed media in some of my paintings, or unusual objects in 3d sculpture. I find it innovative and resourceful to use items some people wouldn’t consider in my art, whether it’s interesting jewelry and decor I find at thrift stores, or items around the house.

5. Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects you’re particularly excited about?

I am excited to participate in the “AND NOW: STORIES FROM THE EDGE” show at Agitator Artist Collective in Chicago from August 10 to 24. I particularly enjoy exhibition opportunities that don’t charge artists since they are more equitable to emerging artists.

As an artist, I aim to think about the world differently, question societal norms, and consider a greater social consciousness.

Marie Magnetic

Marie Magnetic’s art is a powerful way to express her experiences and encourage change. Her work challenges us to think differently about society and ourselves, pushing us to be more aware of the world around us. With a passion for social justice and a commitment to making a difference, Marie’s art reminds us of the impact creativity can have. To learn more about Marie, click on the links below.