Interview
Mad Watson
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mad Watson always had a passion for the arts. She pursued her dream to be an artist by continuing her education and graduating from the Milan Art Institute, which helped her find her unique voice. She celebrates themes of divine femininity and the magic of glittering nature in her dreamy paintings, which often incorporate sheet music due to her sound-to-color synesthesia. For her, the lines of music, color, and emotion blur. She feels closest to her creator when she creates, and she believes it is her duty to share beauty with the world.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have always had a passion for the arts. Growing up, I sang, danced, acted, created, and painted. I couldn’t imagine a life without art, so I pursued my dream of becoming an artist by continuing my education and graduating from the Milan Art Institute in 2020, which helped me find my unique voice. Before I devoted myself to art full-time, I spent four years as the director of a children’s theatre while painting on the side. Although I loved teaching, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to focus all my creative energy on my artistic practice. Since the beginning of 2024, I’ve left the theatre, and my career has begun to bloom. On one side, I create original artwork, which is a deeply immersive process for me. These pieces often take between one to three months to complete, as I pour my emotions and experiences into each brushstroke. My focus here is on themes like divine femininity and the beauty of nature, often integrating elements like sheet music, reflecting my sound-to-color synesthesia. This part of my practice allows me to explore and express complex ideas in a more contemplative manner.
On the other side, I engage in live interactive aura painting. This approach allows me to connect directly with my audience in real-time, translating their energies into vibrant, unique artwork. This dynamic experience not only enhances my creativity but also fosters a sense of community, as participants can see their emotional states reflected in the colors and shapes I create. Together, these two aspects of my art practice allow me to balance deep introspection with lively interaction, enriching both my work and my connection with others. Now, I display my art every First Friday in the heart of the arts district, sell my original work at local exhibitions across Las Vegas and Henderson, and do live aura painting at events.”
What inspires you?
“I draw inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences, especially the beauty of Mother Nature and the intricate metaphors found in flowers. The vibrant colors and delicate forms of nature profoundly shape my creative expression. Music, too, plays a crucial role in my work; it resonates deeply within me, guiding my artistic process and evoking emotions that I translate onto the canvas. My lived experiences, along with the love and support of my family - especially my mom - serve as constant motivators. Additionally, my spirituality inspires me to explore themes of connection and emotion. Together, these elements fuel my passion and drive, allowing me to express my unique perspective through art.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my work, I celebrate themes of divine femininity, growth, self-love, and romance. I find inspiration in the magic of glittering nature, which infuses my dreamy paintings with a sense of wonder. As a child I felt that being too ‘girly’ was a bad thing. As an adult, I embrace it fully and allow others to embrace it as well. I feel closest to my creator when I create, and I believe it is my duty to share this beauty with the world, encouraging others to keep shining - soft and strong - in their own journeys.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as ethereal and deeply feminine, infused with a sense of inspiration and divine love. Each piece embodies a soft yet strong energy, evoking a flowy, goddess-like essence. My art is passionate and dreamy, often reflecting spiritual themes and the beauty of nature, such as the moon and water. It captures an intuitive and poetic quality, blending powerful imagery with vibrant colors to create an emotional connection. Ultimately, my work seeks to resonate with viewers on a deeper level, inviting them to explore their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Dimitra Milan, Monet, Van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe.”
“In my work, I celebrate themes of divine femininity, growth, self-love, and romance. I find inspiration in the magic of glittering nature, which infuses my dreamy paintings with a sense of wonder.”
What is your creative process like?
“The process of creating my art involves drawing inspiration from double exposure photography. I digitally layer images to create a translucent depth as a reference. In the next stage, I sift through collage materials gathered throughout my life, including sheet music from my childhood, magazines my mother read, and poetic gems. I move to the canvas beginning to sketch figures, flowers, and nature to establish a visual narrative. Bold impasto techniques are used on the flowers to allow the viewer to feel as though they could pluck and smell them. Brushstrokes of acrylic paint lay the groundwork for the final stage, where oil paint brings everything together in harmonious depth. Occasionally, I incorporate gold or silver foil to add an ethereal light-catching effect, enhancing the overall luminosity of the piece.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Each artist’s role is to create what is within their heart. When we create authentically, our art naturally attracts those who need it. I think in a world full of so much darkness, our role in society is to heal, inspire, beautify, and instill hope.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve had a few exhibitions including: Priscilla Fowler Fine Art Gallery, Winchester Dondero Cultural Center ‘Reflections’ Exhibit and Here and Now Contempory Art Exhibition. Since the start of 2024, my work is exhibited at the Arts after Dark Collective Exhibition every first Friday in the arts district.”
