Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Barone.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I remember loving art, but my high school teachers did not encourage creativity and preferred mindless exercises that focused on technique. Ultimately, they squelched my passion, and I switched to architecture instead. During my first 2 years studying architecture as an undergraduate, I had to take electives in art and rediscovered my passion for painting, so I decided to immerse myself in it and switched my major to art. I went on to complete my MFA at the University of Southern Illinois, where I graduated in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
1) I grew up in a dysfunctional, alcoholic home that contributed to my own struggle with alcohol. By the grace of God, I have over 26 years of sobriety. The foundation of my work is spiritual, and one aspect of my art speaks to those in recovery.
2) Some people don’t want to be with art that calls for a deeper exploration and questioning. My art may stir discomfort and perhaps confront the apathy that’s often maintaining the status quo. I use a lot of religious symbolism and scripture in my work because I believe the problems we face today are similar to what people faced thousands of years ago. For example, my painting “The Prophet” speaks to the fact that none of the Prophets survived because they spoke the truth and went against social norms, and, just like Pontius Pilate, politicians wash their hands and deny any culpability for their egregious acts. I feel my responsibility as an artist is to paint an unvarnished view of my subject matter, no matter how uncomfortable it makes the viewer.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
1) I’ve been a narrative painter for over 4o-years, and my mediums are oil, etching, and sculpture.
2) My art reflects my observations, concerns, and insights about society. I’m known as “the artist who paints for social change.”
3) I’m proud of… creating the “Paducah Artist Relocation Program in Kentucky because it helped other artists succeed, for revitalizing blighted cities using the arts, and for using my art for impact by saving shelter pets.
4) On a good day, I’m an anarchist! I’m unafraid to confront controversial issues through my work.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I enjoyed going to see my grandpa after church on Sundays because he taught me how to build. The carpentry skills he showed me, I still use today. He came over from Italy, built a good life for his family in America, and always made me feel important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://markbarone.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_barone_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkBaroneArt/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-barone-5b16ba29b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markbaroneart
- Other: https://anactofdog.org
