It’s that time of the month again. Here we are with another featured artist for May. She hails from Metro Manila, sister to another artist, and someone who I admire for their colorful artworks! Let’s all meet and get to know, Marie Lama.
Featured Artist of the Month: Marie Lama
This month’s featured artist is someone whose artworks I see at Common Room PH. She paints lovely girls, sumptuous foods and even some structures we see around the city. Whenever I see her merchandise at Common Room branches, I would feel sudden bliss and a sight of happiness. It gives the people who see it some light from everything that is going on in the world.
Just a note, she’s super talents just like her sister, Ella Lama!
Get to know Marie
Name
Marie Lama
What made you start with this craft?
As a kid, I really loved drawing – the usual mountains-with-rice-fields-and-sun kind of drawing. I also remember my teacher scolding me for not paying attention because I was too busy drawing. But the years between that and college we’re a blur, mainly because I stopped drawing.
However, I still continue to so ‘artsy’ stuff here and there – organizing the monthly bulletin board, directing plays, drawing letters, and so on.
Fast forward to college, I took up Advertising Arts in the University of Santo Tomas. Back in freshman year in college, we were taught how to use watercolors. I only started playing with them after graduating.
To be honest, I never really imagined myself drawing people (my subjects are mostly girls) because I had a hard time learning anatomy, or drawing humans in general. But, I believe that practice is key and that I’ll be able to improve my skills, put my works out there, and even earn from them.
Today, I get to sell my stuff along so many talented people in Common Room PH. 😊
How long have you been doing this craft?
I started making art and posting them in 2016. Meanwhile, I had my merch line last May 2016 – only a few weeks left ’til the first year!
Why did you pursue it?
Honestly speaking, my sister (Ella Lama) inspired me to pursue this path – that I can do the thing I love doing and earn from it. I’m extremely lucky that I have supportive family and friends that inspire me to be better and to make more meaningful work.
Moreover, I think that pursuing this craft is fulfilling in a sense that my works can have a positive impact on an individual, most especially young girls!
More about Marie
Did you have struggles in pursuing the craft?
I think the main struggle [was and still] is constantly having to compare my work to others’ work. But I’ve learned to accept my own pace and that small progress is still progress. Besides, mastering a craft takes a long time and any improvement is a step closer to my goal! 😊
Favorite quote?
None at the moment, but everyone must see The Greatest Showman ’cause it’s relatable on so many levels!!! 😊
Still fangirling, I’m sorry!
What keeps you on doing the craft?
I would say that the support I get from the community is what fuels me to improve further. I’m grateful to be surrounded by kind and loving people that help me stay positive on days when I feel ‘mehhh.’
Top 3 favorite tools?
- Good paper – It doesn’t matter what brand because really, all you have to do is research. Look for what’s available in the market, and see what works best with your style.
- My trusty watercolor paints – I initially started with just 12 handpicked colors from Holbein, and now I currently have 24 colors in my custom palette.
- Deovir Taklon Brushes – I used to like Berkeley and Scrivo brushes, but the quality deteriorated over the years. Deovir’s Taklon brushes are springy and can hold enough water (for my style, at least), and they’re very affordable!
If you are to share your tips and tricks with newbies, what would those be?
- Immerse yourself with people who inspire you – not just in art-making but in life in general.
- Constant practice will help you improve tremendously.
- Always remember that everyone has their own pace; you don’t have to be pressured about others’ progress.
If you were to describe the craft in three words, what will those be?
- Fun
- Fulfilling
- Awesome
Get in touch with Marie through:
Also, don’t forget to pin this!
What are you going to learn this summer? 😃
4 Comments
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I have been a fan of Marie. I have enjoyed her artworks in Common Room. It’s fun, cute and just bring happiness. Can’t wait to see more of her masterpieces.
What an amazing artist Marie is! I wish I could draw hehe. Hope she ends up watching The Greatest Showman. I love it! I’ve been playing the soundtrack on repeat since yesterday! Hehe.
Love the tips and tricks that Marie shared to newbies. I think it is applicable to everyone. For instance, for blogging, it’s great to surround ourself with positive minded people, be consistent in what we do, and embrace our journey. Anyway, I like her style of art. Thanks for featuring her
I always tell it to myself and to my closest fam and friends.. always surround yourself with positive people. Those that can help you become better and those tha will push you to reach those dreams. Its my fav mantra in all aspects. Talking about this wonderful artist, she’s sooo talented… I dont know much about painting but I do appreciate and know which and why those pieces are beautiful. And not everyone can paint girls that awesome.. love her works!