Marshall McLaughlin

Artist Statement

As someone who has always been inspired by cartoons and unique illustration, I've aspired to create artwork that not only touches on those inspirations but expands into my own interests that I've grown to show interest in. Combining strange elements that I think add visual interest to my cartoonist art style with bright colors or fun characters helps to catch a person's eye and helps me share the narratives behind my artwork. I feel like everyone loves being able to tell a story and creating work that speaks to others and tells it's own story is my goal behind every piece.

Biography

I grew up being exposed to many different types of artwork, I saw plenty of art on TV screens through cartoons and I learned about Renaissance artwork in my elementary school French classes. I was enthralled with the way artists were able to capture the way they saw the world in all of their artwork and I was quick to pick up art in my youth. I've been drawing ever since I can remember and I pride myself in having an art style that doesn't reflect what a lot of people consider stereotypically good art. My artwork can be weird and have strange stories to tell and I think that reflects my own creative any of living my life. As a queer artist, I think a lot of this artwork ultimately stems from the need to connect to others who feel outcasted from a "normal" society and having the liberty to create something that might comfort someone who doesn't see the unusual represented helps bring me a sense of purpose and the feel that I'm impacting the world around me.

Who Are You_2023_Oil Pastel on Paper