Marquise Russ

I came straight to Creative Clay (after high school) because my brother knew a teacher that used to work there. He got me into Creative Clay because I did not have anything to do at home. I did not know a lot about art techniques, but I was sketching on my own. As I grew, I became more independent as an artist. It was hard at first because when I first started at Creative Clay, I used to only draw really small creatures. My first piece I did was small people. I sketched a little before I started, but not much.

I like both painting and drawing. I like all my colors that I put together when I paint. I like how they all pop out, all the colors. I never know what I am doing with it until it is finished. When it's finished, I feel excited and comfortable with what I made. With painting I can move colors around with the paint, but with drawing with colored pencils I can create different shadows with different textures. When I make art, I like doing angels and landscapes. Sometimes I do both at the same time. I like the angels because one of my favorite movies is Tinker Bell. Her wings, the way they change different colors, inspires my art.

I like doing music and dance. I like all the movements I can see in shows. I like watching music videos because the movements inspire me. I also sing sometimes. I know I make people happy because the last time I performed everyone clapped along. It made me feel good and happy inside.

I want to try and expand my art and move it to different galleries. I have been in a lot of shows, and it makes me feel excited that people can see my stuff. My proudest moment is when I sell art. I like when people come to events like Art Walk and ask about my art. I share my story about becoming an artist and what inspires my art and color choices. All of the colors I use inspire everybody and that makes me happy. I like when people ask me questions about my art.

I am most proud of my sculpture Winged Man which won second place at Florida CraftArt Member’s Exhibit. I did not know I was going to get second place until I got there. When I found out it made me feel happy. This is my first time getting second place prize in an art show. It made me feel proud.

The teachers inspire me because they continue to help me with the background colors. They also inspire me to try new things like clay. I enjoy using clay because it is fun. I love using my hands. I usually make animals and human figures.

My advice is if you say you aren't an artist and I see your drawings I will tell you that you are an artist. That you can draw good. Don't doubt your skill. I have a friend who doubts their art. She says she hasn't sold anything, but it takes time to sell. I encourage her that she will get there one day. It takes time to grow your art. Just believe what you do for your art.

MARQUISE’S RECENT EXHIBITIONS:

The Good Folk Show GFG Jan 2024
Glass of Life Gallery exhibit January 2024- present
African Americans and the Arts GFG Feb 2024
The Members’ Show FLCA Jan. 26-March 9, 2024 Second Place Award “The Winged Man’” mixed media sculpture
Turandot Inspired SPO March April 2024
Iconic Landmarks Lost SFA April 2024
Astronomy St Pete Beach Library Partnership April 2024
100 Discs and 100 Years Art Show St. Pete Shuffleboard Club May 2024 
The Good Folk Traveling Show GFG May June 2024
Summertime GFG July August 2024

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Marquise is a St. Petersburg artist and creates large acrylic paintings and color pencil drawings of fantastical action characters with stories to go with each of them. His characters appear to be flying or swimming in painterly landscapes that are other worldly. Marquise also works in ceramic and mixed media, painting and assembling found objects such as animal skulls, creating sculptures and refurbished furniture. His work is exhibited in galleries throughout the region, including Lewis House at Eckerd College, Florida CraftArt, St. Petersburg Opera Co. and Creative Clay’s Good Folk Gallery.