meet mackenzie schmidt
Writing was my first love. In my childhood, I filled countless journals with my short stories and thoughts on life. But as a young adult I went through some life-changing events, and I found myself drowning in my attempts to sort it out on the page.
Art gave me the tools I needed to survive. I discovered I could speak more clearly with marks not bound by language. This new form of expression allowed me to process my experiences, finding beauty in the chaos without needing to understand it all.
Many years later, I still find freedom and joy in creating art. I love the playfulness of watercolor, the bright dance of oil pastels and the blending of charcoal. They move and create in partnership with my hand. I can follow as the stories unfold on the paper; the finished pieces often express something I didn’t know was in me.
All images copyright Mackenzie Schmidt.
All rights reserved.
ABOUT THE WORK
ABOUT THE ARTIST
As a lifelong storyteller, my work explores narrative through color, form and composition. What began as dedicated childhood journaling and short stories evolved into a career in graphic design, where I loved the collaborative challenge of bringing my clients’ visions to life. In my current work, I am inspired by all of life’s gifts and challenges, creating paintings that communicate emotion and the evolution of my spirit.
I live this crazy life with my husband Andrew and our two little spitfires, Louisa and Indy. Outside the studio, you can find me hanging with neighbors at the park, drinking my new favorite mushroom coffee or cleaning the kitchen (does that ever end?).
Colorado State University, art and communications
Pacific Northwest College of Art, design and illustration
Whole Artist Mastery apprenticeship with Marianne Mitchell
Works included in various group shows, including Mosaic Portland, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Denver Art Gym, ASLD’s Summer Art Market, Big Hairy Monster and Axiom Wealth Alliance
INSTAGRAM FEED
