Interview

Written By Editorial Team

Marissa Kayne Saurer

Marissa Kayne Saurer is a fearless adventurer and painter who draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the northernmost regions of the world. With an immense passion for exploration and a deep connection to nature, Marissa travels to remote and untamed landscapes to capture the essence of the wild in her stunning artwork. Residing in the Northwoods of Minnesota, Marissa has always felt a deep kinship with the natural world. From a young age, she found solace and inspiration in the untouched beauty of the wilderness, and her love for the outdoors only grew stronger as she embarked on expeditions to the far reaches of the globe. From the icy tundras of the Arctic to the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Marissa immerses herself in the raw power and majesty of nature, using her keen eye and artistic talent to translate these experiences onto canvas.

Her paintings are a reflection of her awe and wonder at the vast landscapes she encounters, capturing them with an expression of broad brushstrokes, swirls and curved horizons. Her artistic motivation stems from her desire to share nature’s beauty the way she experiences it. Layered within these geographic muses, Marissa feels a deep connection to the northern indigenous cultures of the world. In addition to her own Nordic and Sámi heritage, she draws from the spiritual cultures of the Inuit, Tlingit, Nenets, Ket, Ainu and of course the Anishinaabe, honoring the lands where she currently resides. Marissa’s work has gained recognition for its ability to evoke a sense of both grandeur and intimacy, inviting viewers to connect with the natural world on a deeper level. Through her art, she hopes to inspire others to appreciate and protect the precious wilderness that surrounds us, reminding us of the importance of preserving these sacred spaces for future generations. As an “Art-Venturer “Marissa of the North” continues to push the boundaries of creativity and exploration, seeking out new challenges and inspirations in the untamed corners of the earth. Her work serves as a testament to the beauty and resilience of the natural world, reminding us of the transformative power of art and nature combined.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I started my career as digital illustrator, and then converted to a full time oil painter in 2021.”

What inspires you?

“Nature and indigenous cultures of the northern reaches of our planet.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Nature's beauty, but also some of the darker side of nature and predation.”

How would you describe your work?

“My paintings are an exercise in expressionism with a fluid, stylistic and whimsical view of nature’s beauty, often bending reality into a colorful expression of broad brushstrokes, swirls and curved horizons. My artistic motivation stems from my desire to share nature’s beauty the way I experience it.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Georgia O'Keefe, Marc Chagall and Grant Wood.”

“My artistic motivation stems from my desire to share nature’s beauty the way I experience it.”

What is your creative process like?

“1) I travel to beautiful places such as the Arctic, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Alaska 2) I soak the beauty into my soul. 3) I shoot reference material of the expedition. 4) Returning to the studio I sketch and compose. 5) I paint. 6) I share with the world.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I believe the Artist's role is to pass along the beauty that they experience through their art to share and to expand culture.”

 
Editorial Team
Previous

Interview
Next

Interview