Congratulations to artist Marlis Dsouza, our latest Instagram winner! Born in India and based in Dubai, Marlis works predominantly with alcohol inks and resin to create Abstract Fluid art: "It gives me so much joy to make something out of nothing. In the years that I have been making art I keep surprising myself and I love that feeling."
Describe the type of art you create.
I create layered abstract art, predominately with alcohol inks and resin. I started off with producing vibrant and beautiful pieces that I just had fun making, but now I've chosen to share intimate parts of my story and journey through my art. Lately I've been pulling inspiration from my journal pages and creating pieces I never thought would see the light of day. It feels so empowering and I hope to continue to create more of this style of art where I get the opportunity to connect with my community, collectors and followers on a deeper level.
Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work?
Absolutely! I was in Florida for about 11 years of my life and that's where I got obsessed with beachy waves and fluid art. I think where you are influences your work. Now I'm back in Dubai and I still pull inspiration from my past life in Florida, however, my style is slowly evolving.
What's your art background?
For the most part I am self taught, especially when it comes to fluid art. I took art seriously in high school for 3 years and had my first ever group exhibition when I was 15 in Dubai. A moderator from London came to grade our work and I was one of 6 people who got an A. At that stage I knew art fuelled my soul in a way that nothing else could, but I decided to take the STEM route in university. While getting a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics and a Master's degree in Systems Engineering, I was still creating art along the way. Last year in 2022, I decided to give up my engineering career and go on my creative journey full time. So the learning continues...
Are you a full time artist or do you create around work hours?
I am a full time artist and I'm so proud to say that. Now, one year later I still sometimes have a hard time saying that. It feels unreal.
What do you love about the mediums that you use?
There is a sense of effortlessness that I feel when using mediums like resin and alcohol inks. I love that it is so versatile, but also the fact that it is a forgiving medium too. With inks, if I mess something up, I can wipe it off and try again. With resin, if I don't like a layer, I can cover it up or just add another layer to add depth and pretend that it was intentional all along. There's just so many things I love about it. Especially with resin, I went down a rabbit hole and there was no going back. I started creating paintings, coasters, trays, cheese boards, clocks, magnets, tabletops and the list goes on! I loved the idea of functional art, and resin made that possible.
When did you discover resin?
I discovered resin in 2017 when I was getting my Master's degree in Systems Engineering in Daytona Beach. It was shortly after I started experimenting with acrylic pours that I started seeing videos on resin and I needed to get my hands on it. The first ever resin brand that I tried was ArtResin and I created this piece and named it 'Shoot for the Stars'. It's so insane how we've come full circle almost 6 years later and here I am sharing my story.
How has resin impacted your artwork?
It has created an endless list of opportunities and encouraged me to think outside the box.
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
For my fine art pieces, it usually starts with alcohol inks as the base art work. I then decide if I want to place resin waves, shimmery mica powder, liquid gold leaf or lightly tinted acrylic inks to create different effects and depth. Then it's a matter of prepping and pouring. I then come back the next day and reevaluate the composition of the piece and add more layers accordingly or stop there if I am happy with how it looks. Usually I do at least 2 layers of resin on any piece because I love how it creates depth.
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
It gives me so much joy to make something out of nothing. In the years that I have been making art I keep surprising myself and I love that feeling.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Right now it is paying the bills, so in that literal sense, yes. But on a deeper level, it's a form of escape from reality sometimes. It puts me in a meditative state where I forget about everything else, and to me it is a form of therapy.
Right now it is paying the bills, so in that literal sense, yes. But on a deeper level, it's a form of escape from reality sometimes. It puts me in a meditative state where I forget about everything else, and to me it is a form of therapy.
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
Everything!!! Honestly, it depends on the piece. I'm more intentional with what I make now and it usually has a deeper meaning behind it. At the end of the day, I want to evoke some emotion, whether it be curiosity, excitement, peace, sadness, love or joy. It's like a game of roulette, you never know what to expect.
How do you define success as an artist?
Success is a really personal thing. Every artist and human has a different definition. To me, it is when you feel like you've created amazing work and it might be your best work to everyone else, but you know that deep down, the best is yet to come.
Where do you sell your work?
On my website www.artsybym.com and locally in Dubai at pop ups and some markets.
To see more of Marlis' work:
Follow her on Instagram: @artsybym
Visit her website: www.artsybym.com
Congratulations on your win, Marlis!
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have tagged us on Instagram, showing the work they've created with ArtResin.
Don't forget to tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
