Hays Art Teacher Ranked As Top Artist to Watch in Austin

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Alex Holmes

Dodd takes her craft to a new level– named as a top artist to watch by Austin magazine.

Alex Holmes, photographer, editor

The December edition of Austin art mag  Almost Real Things features Hays art teacher Marcie Dodd, ranking her #2 in their the top ten artists to watch in Austin.

As a photo student of Dodd’s I was able to sit down with her and ask some questions and discuss her career as teacher and artist.

How does it feel to be one of the top 10 artists to watch in Austin?

– In typical artist style, it’s hard to be in the spotlight, but it also fills me with a ton of pride.

How long have you been creating art?

– All my life! I remember being in 5th grade and designing a poster for something in class and having my teacher tell me she thought I’d be an artist one day. I’ve known I wanted to be an artist since middle school.

When did you enter your first art show or get recognized for your art?

– In high school. I had an art teacher who encouraged my passion. I actually still have an award that she gave me on my pin board in my classroom as a reminder of where I started.

How did that make you feel?

– Purposeful.

When did you realize that you wanted to create art as a career?

– In high school. I wasn’t sure how to do that at first. My counselor in high school wasn’t knowledgeable about art school. I have had to forge my own path. It’s been hard but rewarding.

What type of media do you use?

– I am a mixed media artist, which means I use a variety of mediums to create cohesive pieces. The mediums I use most frequently are alcohol ink, spray paint, photo transfer, acrylic paint, charcoal, pastels, collage and paint pens.

What is your favorite technique?

– I probably use photo transfer most often

When did you decide you wanted to teach others how to create art?

– It’s always something I have wanted to do. I think art is the best kind of therapy. My goal in teaching is to be the adult I needed when I was in high school. Hopefully I can make a small difference in someone’s life.

Do you have any shows coming up?

–  None on the books yet, but I have a few exhibit proposals out that I am waiting to hear on.

 

If you would like to view her art or purchase it, go to Dodd’s Instagram and follow to keep up with her and her new pieces.