Meet Marc Scheff, an award-winning artist known for his multi-dimensional portraits in layers of resin. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Marc's adventure as an artist began in childhood, using drawing as a safe haven and a means of understanding others. Despite studying Computer Science at Harvard, he discovered a deep desire for creative expression, leading him to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Leaving behind the corporate world, Marc pursued his passion, earning an Illustration degree and diving into various creative roles. Fascinated by ArtResin, he now crafts hundreds of resin layers in artworks exhibited worldwide, inviting viewers to explore the hidden depths of human nature through his mesmerizing creations. We chat with Marc about his work in the recent Chroma exhibition in partnership with PxP Contemporary.
Collect Original Art through PxP Contemporary.
What inspired you to create the work you showcased in the 'Chroma' exhibition?
I had a mentor who told me 5 truths. I was 18 then, and they've stuck with me for 30 years. In fact, I carried the post-it she wrote them on for 13 or more years in my wallet. When I found a voice and medium that really spoke to me, I came back to these immutable truths. While confronting, for me they called me to be a better person. They continue to. Truth #4: The truth always gets known.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to your color choices?
The truth is I have methods, and don't stick to one. Sometimes I start in a sketchbook, sometimes with an abstract emotion-led session after which I find meaning in the mark-making. This piece began with an acrylic pour. I took a photo and worked up ideas digitally. Then created parts of it on the surface. When I felt stuck, I poured more resin and looked for inspiration while it dried.
How did your medium of choice enhance your ability to convey the color in your artwork?
Resin is a double-edged sword with color. Most dry media will lose quite a bit of vibrancy with a layer of resin over it. You can avoid this by putting down a white layer underneath and then color on top. Wet media, on the other hand, really pops once you pour resin over it. I've had a story in my head that I avoid color. In the last 5 years, I've leaned hard into this limiting belief and made it my own way.
What do you want viewers and collectors to know when interacting with your art?
First, it hangs easily. Most people see the thickness and assume it's too heavy. This piece has mass but it's lighter than a heavy-framed print. Second, art is about human connection. Third, some artists have an easy time creating 12-15 pieces on a theme, but not me. I don't work like that. As an ADHD person, I often follow threads for one, two, maybe 3 pieces and in the process, I discover a new path I'm really excited to explore. *Because I have a fair amount of privilege, freedom, and success, I can run down these paths and fully explore without the pressure of producing. I'm so grateful for this. This was a rare one in a series of 4 that connected for me. True to form, I think I completed 2-3 before moving to new ideas.
What are you currently working on and looking forward to this season?
I have a 4x5' piece coming to Superfine art fair in NYC in September. And most exciting for me is my Coaching clients. I do 1-on-1 Coaching and a group program for artists that have produced results for people beyond what I could have imagined. Co-creating better lives for people is a creative art I love.
