Interview
Marina Merz
Marina Merz is Miami based artist. She was born into a family deeply rooted in both art and music. Surrounded by creativity from an early age, she grew up in a nurturing environment where artistic expression was a way of life. Her connection to art runs deep, as it serves as a medium through which she communicates with her soul. Her work primarily focuses on oil paintings and graphic drawings blending the precision of realism with the simplicity of minimalism. Yet, her creative pursuits go beyond the canvas, as she carves out a niche in customized leather couture, fusing fashion and art into something personal and striking. Marina's process is one of constant evolution. She has participated in various workshops and exhibitions continually pushing her creative boundaries. Her artistic journey is ongoing, as she explores new perspectives and seeks to make impactful, inspiring contributions to both design and art. Through her work, she strives to open up a dialogue that is meaningful, functional, and deeply connected to her vision of the world.
Marina Merz with sculptured painting “Truffle”, 72 × 48 inch (183 × 122 cm)
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I born into a tapestry of art and music, where creativity was the air I breathed. My grandmother, with her deep love for music, envisioned my hands dancing across piano keys, and she dedicated herself to shaping me into the musician she dreamed I’d become. Yet, while I moved through the rhythm of notes, my heart beat to the pulse of visual expression. It was in the strokes of a brush, the texture of materials, and the vivid hues of paint that I found my true self. Art, for me, has always been more than a path, it’s an extension of my being, a canvas for the untold stories within.”
"Eternal Flame", oil on canvas. 48x60 inch.
What inspires you?
“Inspiration is everywhere if you're open to it. I find it in the small, unnoticed details: a quiet coffee shop corner, the stillness of nature, or the way light dances across a street at dusk. It’s in those subtle moments that a story or an idea takes shape for me. Even the simplest things, like the texture of a surface or a shadow on the wall, can evoke a feeling that I translate into my work. The world is full of fleeting beauty, and it’s those moments that inspire me the most.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I love working with marine themes. There's something captivating about the ocean's vastness, the movement of water, and the life beneath the surface. The colors, textures, and sense of depth always inspire me to explore new ideas in my work.”
How would you describe your work?
“I’m fascinated by the blending of abstract and minimalism trends, where simplicity meets complexity in unexpected ways.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My favorite works are Claude Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ series. As a pioneering French impressionist, Monet's work was often unrecognized during his time, yet he remained committed to painting what he believed was important. Monet’s focus was on capturing light and atmosphere, using a technique of painting quickly to depict nature as seen in the moment. He perfected the method of creating series, where the same landscape changed based on time of day, weather, and season, sometimes producing dozens of paintings within a series. Despite being criticized for rebellion and immorality, Monet and his peers embraced the label of ‘impressionists,’ originally meant as an insult by journalist Louis Leroy. Their work ultimately defined an era.”
"Eternal Flame", oil on canvas. 48x60 inch.
“Art, for me, has always been more than a path, it’s an extension of my being, a canvas for the untold stories within.”
What is your creative process like?
“I usually work in series. I find that working in series allows me to dive deeply into a single idea or feeling. Before I begin, I carefully plan out the theme and direction so that each piece in the series tells a part of the story. It’s like piecing together a personal narrative where every artwork adds a unique layer to the overall message.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“My admiration for artists goes beyond their technical skill; it’s rooted in their ability to capture moments that are deeply personal, insightful, painful, ordinary, or profoundly moving, and transform them through their chosen medium. That ability to take something intangible and offer it back to the world in a way we can all experience is nothing short of remarkable. I have a deep appreciation for what artists do, for the way they let us glimpse the world through their eyes, and in doing so, reveal new layers of beauty and meaning. To me, that’s the true elegance of art.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve been fortunate to take part in multiple exhibitions and live painting performances, mainly here in Miami, where I live and create. Each experience has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened my connection to the local art community.”
Website: merzfineart.com
Instagram: @merzfineart
