We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dilleen Marsh. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dilleen, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
The last time I was interviewed by canvasrebel I focused on a graphic novel I illustrated. “Hidden” was the story of a little girl during the Holocaust. Since that interview “Hidden” has become a documentary that was included in the most recent Boston Film Festival and was awarded Best Mass Impact Award. Then it went onto the Toronto Film Festival and was awarded Best Cinematography and Best Editing. Artwork I did from the graphic novel is now being used in a Teacher’s Guide for grades 6-12 that will be included in a package sent to schools to educate children about the Holocaust and genocide. I was invited to the Boston premiere and indeed I felt proud of my involvement in this project.
Another proud moment was having one of my paintings of a couple in a diner titled, “She Leaned In”, purchased by a local museum for their permanent collection. The subject was the power of female compassion.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dilleen Marsh. I am an artist specializing in illustration and fine art. I’ve illustrated for magazines and books for over 40 years. My paintings have won awards in art shows. My brand is telling stories—and finding a good purpose in my art. Once upon a time my intentions were all about improving my skills. Now, when I do art for myself I lean toward visually expressing my observations of the human condition. Usually in a positive way. This is very apparent on my online sites: @dilleenart; @outofdilleensmind; dilleenmarshart.com.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When as a teenager I sold a pen and ink drawing for $5. I could make a living doing art?!! In college I discovered illustration—and have made a modest living ever since.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My fear of offending others. There are images that come to my mind that I could do to go after the monsters I see in the world with dramatic impact. Those images are fun to paint but leave a residue of darkness in the studio and with others. Being held back by that may not be a deficit. I’ve chosen to look through a more compassionate lense—express something beyond the anger. Humor is also useful.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’ve thought a lot, recently, about the last 10-20 years of my life as an artist since entering my early 70s. In fact, I have chosen a theme to encompass what I do. It is called: Before I Die. So, I have stopped painting pretty landscapes and pretty girls for wall decoration and now look for a good purpose, a philosophical point to my paintings. Images and titles can say a lot to the viewer. And as always, I am a storyteller.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dilleenmarsh.com
- Instagram: dilleenart; outofdilleensmind
- Facebook: Dilleen Marsh
- Other: Dilleenmarshart.com (blog)
Image Credits
All art is personal property of Dilleen Marsh.
