Mackenzie Schmidt
Denver, CO
I have always loved storytelling in all its various forms: writing, designing and mark making to share the tales of this complex human experience.
Message
I started my career in corporate public relations and then spent many years as a graphic designer, helping entrepreneurs define their brands and tell their stories online. During my 20s in Portland, Oregon, I found ways to use my paintings in fundraising and advocacy efforts for causes I cared about. In this new stage, I enjoy participating in Denver’s thriving art scene, with works shown in group or solo shows at Mosaic (Portland), Wazee Coop, Denver Art Gym, ASLD Summer Art Market, Axiom Wealth Management, Big Hairy Monster, Stanley Marketplace and Sync Gallery.
Statement
Writing was my first love. In my childhood, I filled countless journals with my short stories and thoughts on life. But as a young adult I went through some life-changing events, and I found myself drowning in my attempts to sort it out on the page.
Art gave me a new way to express myself. I discovered that I could speak more clearly in charcoal and paint as the marks were not bound by language. I was able to process my experiences, finding beauty in the chaos without needing to understand it all.
Many years later, I still find freedom and joy in creating art. I love the playfulness of watercolor and ink wash, seeing how they move and create seemingly on their own, and then I can follow where the story goes on the paper. I find the finished piece often expresses something I didn’t even know was in me.