Customer Spotlight: An Interview with Marian Steen
This post is part of our ongoing series highlighting the work, expertise, and creative practices of Metropolitan Picture Framing customers.
Can you describe the process that you use?
I enjoy using texture, and I have an ongoing love affair with watercolor: its flow, its luminosity, and its spontaneity. At times I want to rein it in, but sometimes I enjoy following it to new places.
I usually start my paintings with large washes of watercolor, pouring and dripping the paint, taking full advantage of the “wet on wet” technique. Later, I use textures and collage materials in a layering process to create more three-dimensional pieces. I think of collaging as keeping a visual art diary, integrating my own memorabilia—a scrap of one of my daughters’ clothing, a letter from my father, or a newspaper article about my husband—into my paintings. I also use handmade paper, strings, or objects found while taking walks outside, recycling them into new art creations.
I include dark spaces in my paintings to acknowledge the existence of negative aspects of life, such as struggle or pain. But those are balanced with light areas, as my ultimate goal is to convey hope. I want the viewers to be drawn into my artwork and to take a moment from their day to enjoy the interplay between color, line, and texture. I hope that in their reflections, they find this brief respite rewarding.
I paint on all kinds of heavy watercolor paper and lately on boards called clayboards.
Profile: 101 or 106
Spacer: 3/4" or 1/2"
Wood: ash
Finish: black
Profile: 122
Wood: Ash or Maple
Finish: black, clear, pickled white
What led you to start using Metropolitan frames?
Many years ago, when Marian and I started doing art shows together, we tried several framers. But one year, at the Uptown Art Fair, we learned about Metropolitan Picture Framing because our good friend, Ginny Herzog, recommended them. What we found was that the quality of the materials, the knowledge, the customer service, and the friendliness of their staff was exceptional. The quality and craftsmanship of their frames make them easy to assemble, and they’ve also helped to showcase Marian’s artwork in the best possible way. Since we first started using their products, we’ve never had the need to look any further.
Do you order online or on the phone?
We order frames on the phone multiple times a year. Since we’re not great with technology, it is much easier to hear Lea Ann’s or Adrienne’s friendly voices and know that they will complete the order correctly and efficiently.
How have you set up your studio for framing? Any tips for other artists?
Rick: I have a separate room in our basement where I do the framing. It allows Marian to have enough space in her painting studio to focus on her artwork. The framing room has all of the tools I need—I was very fortunate to acquire the materials from a local frame shop that closed its doors many years ago. While working as a police officer, I learned the craft from the people working in this shop, and it was therapeutic to focus on something other law enforcement. I recommend having skilled framers train you as they did for me.
Marian: In my painting studio I have installed a very wide 6-8” shelf on one long wall. This is very helpful in displaying my art, both finished and unfinished. I also have had a very large table built to accommodate my largest watercolor paper because I paint with watercolors and the paper has to lie flat. I am fortunate to have lots of light with a bay window and two skylights. I used to paint in the basement, so the move to this studio, a converted garage was heaven! Also have a floor made out of varnished particle board which is “soft“ and easy on my back.
How do you market your work?
At the beginning, word of mouth was the most effective way for me to market my work. I used to do 10-12 art shows per year, bringing new work to shows all around the country. My customers often come back for more, and they recommend my work to friends. Throughout my career, I’ve had gallery shows, and have exhibited in museums.I have had a one-person show at the St Louis University Art Museum. Lately I exhibited my art at the Lambert Airport. I now have a website, www.mariansteen.com, and I attempt to keep it regularly updated. I also post photos of current work on Facebook and occasionally Instagram.
Any other advice for artists about your practice?
Marian: I love my career as a “ Street Artist” I don’t think this term was ever mentioned when I was in art school. After graduation from Washington University School of Fine Art, I did teach Art in a Junior High School and in those days the only way to sell one’s art was through galleries, which I also did for a while. Doing outdoor Art shows has opened so many doors for others to view my art. I get to meet my customers personally, sometimes even becoming friends. I love that my art is seen by so many people of all walks of life. This would not be possible in any other art career.