From Engineering to Art: Marlis Dsouza's Transition to a Creative Career
I'm Marlis Dsouza, a multidisciplinary artist and the founder of ArtsyByM, specializing in resin and alcohol inks. My journey from Systems Engineering to becoming a full-time artist has been a whirlwind of transformation and creativity. This blog post highlights my story, the journey to pursuing art and the lessons I've learned along the way. I hope to inspire both art enthusiasts and collectors, providing insights into the vibrant world of fluid art.
My Transition from Engineering to Art
I began my professional journey in a completely different realm—I graduated with a B.S. in Aeronautics in 2012 and a M.S. in Systems Engineering in 2018 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. After which I worked as a Systems Test Engineer at Thales in Melbourne, Florida working on WiFi and connectivity for airplanes. My days were filled with technical challenges and innovative solutions, whilst I learned a whole lot on the job. I have to be honest, I did enjoy the job because I’m a bit of a nerd at heart, but I didn’t enjoy the politics, restrictions of a corporate 9 to 5 and the limitations of the immigration system in the US. I also wanted the freedom and expression that art provides. Even though I was doing it as a hobby at the time, I felt like I was meant for greater things in my dreams of being a full-time artist. The decision to transition from engineering to art was not easy and still isn’t, but it was a necessary step towards fulfilling my true passion.
Discovering My True Calling
Art has always been a part of my life. I started taking it seriously in high school (in Dubai) and building my skills from a young age, but I didn’t pursue higher education in art, instead I chose STEM. I’m sure I don’t need to explain why! Throughout my time in university, I didn’t stop creating though. I would do henna and jagua tattoos, experiment with different painting styles and mediums in my dorm room and also participate in local group showings and craft fairs in Florida. Fluid art and pyrography (wood burning) were a couple mediums I experimented with and that kept my love for art going. Fast forward to about a year ago, it was through personal journal writings and life experiences that I found my true inspiration. Creating art from my journals became a profound and therapeutic process. It allowed me to express my innermost thoughts and emotions, turning them into tangible pieces of beauty. This process of translating personal reflections into visual art is what makes each piece unique and deeply personal.
In 2008, I had my first ever group exhibition at Saint Mary’s Catholic High School, Dubai, UAE. A collection of 3 years of work for the GCSE Art Board exam. I even made a dragon fly inspired sculpture with wire, textile and wood. I was thrilled to be one out of 6 students in the whole grade that was awarded an A!
I painted a recreation of the Salvador Dali Butterfly Windmill painting - 2008
The Birth of ArtsyByM
With a growing passion for fluid art, particularly resin and alcohol inks, I decided to take the leap and pursue art full-time. ArtsyByM however, was the name I chose for my social media handle when I first started posted pictures of my henna tattoos in 2016. It started as artsybym.henna and then once I felt more confident to post my art and not just henna, I changed it to artsybym, which is what it is today. ArtsyByM was born out of this desire to create, inspire, and share my journey with others. Now my art is a reflection of my personal experiences, emotions, and the vibrant and complex world around me.
How I Discovered Fluid Art
I still remember the first few times I experimented with creating an acrylic pour painting in my dorm room in grad school in Daytona Beach, Florida. I was just using water mixed with acrylic paint and tried to pour the paint around on the canvas. I was instantly hooked! I went down the YouTube rabbit hole and watched many tutorials and then came back and refined my acrylic pouring techniques. Soon after I discovered resin and that completely changed the trajectory of my creative career. It was exciting to make art in a new way. To create functional items that can also look unique and to create high gloss and be able to achieve immense depth with layering techniques. I felt so connected to this style of art as it made me focus less on every minor detail, but instead focus on the feeling and create with intuition.
Collaborations and Workshops
Creating art from my journals has opened doors to collaborate with some fantastic brands and host in-person workshops. These experiences have not only enriched my artistic journey but have also allowed me to connect with a broader community of art enthusiasts and collectors. Collaborations with brands like Corona, African Eastern, Les Benjamins, Forbes 30/50 Summit and more have provided opportunities to expand my creative horizons and reach new audiences.
Hosting Workshops
Hosting workshops has been a particularly rewarding experience. It allows me to share my techniques and passion for fluid art with others, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to learn and create. These workshops are not only about teaching but also about inspiring participants to explore their own creativity and discover the joy of fluid art.
Sharing My Journey on YouTube
I started my YouTube channel because I have so much to share from my journey—the lessons I've learned, the continuous learning process, and the joy of creating art. My channel is a space where I hope to inspire both artists looking to grow and collectors seeking unique pieces. You can expect tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks at my creative process, and the stories behind my art collections. On my YouTube channel, you'll find a variety of content designed to inspire and educate. From detailed tutorials on resin and alcohol ink techniques to behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, there's something for everyone. I also share the stories behind my art collections, providing insight into the inspiration and meaning behind each piece.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
One of the key aspects of my artistic journey is the commitment to continuous learning. Art is an ever-evolving field, and there's always something new to discover. Through my channel, I aim to share the knowledge and skills I've acquired over the years, helping others to develop their own artistic abilities and explore new techniques.
The Joy of Creating Art
Creating art is not just a profession for me; it's a passion and a way of life. The joy of seeing a piece come to life, the satisfaction of overcoming creative challenges, and the fulfillment of sharing my work with others are what drive me to keep creating. Through my channel and blog, I hope to convey this joy and inspire others to pursue their own creative passions.
Join Me on This Creative Journey
I'm excited to share my journey with you and hope to inspire you in your own creative pursuits. Whether you're an artist looking to grow or a collector seeking unique pieces, there's something for everyone here. Stay tuned for more blog posts, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes looks at my creative process.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for process videos, art-related content, and a glimpse into my personal story.
Follow me on Instagram @artsybym for regular updates and explore my portfolio at artsybym.com 🎨✨
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