ARTIST BIO

I had an unconventional start to my artistic life - in November 2016 I was in hospital being treated for depression and anxiety.  A friend told me to take in paints to curb the inevitable boredom and after 2 weeks being in, I found myself opening up my set of watercolours and two paintbrushes and looking for some inspiration to start painting.  After looking at photos and pictures on the internet I started painting and - to my surprise - found myself producing work after work. I've never shown artistic abilities before and I think the treatment in hospital, the fact I had time to myself, and the moment I was in in my life all culminated to a point where I had something to say through painting.  Much to my friends and family's surprise!  The positive reinforcement I received posting pictures of my paintings on Facebook led to me searching out a professional fine art printer once I was out of hospital (after a lengthy 6 week admission).  I sold almost 80 prints to friends and family in December, providing me a much needed boost to my confidence and leading me to setting up my own website - www.marniehiggs.com

Since then, I now sell fine art giclée prints of my work online and I've started doing markets around Melbourne including Rose Street Artists Market and the Heide Makers Market. I am open and honest about my journey through mental illness and how it has led me to this point in my life.  I believe my improving mental health and my challenges with mental illness tell a story, and this story can be seen in a number of my works.  The night I was discharged from hospital I started a series of butterflies in a series called #cantfly - showing my vulnerability and fear that, even though we all have wings, I might be forever tethered to the ground.  My improving health also started a new series in 2017 called "Yellow Umbrella" - a symbol of security and safety. 

I now paint to communicate things I may not be able to speak about, and also as a means of therapy.  I am so lucky to have friends and family who  have supported me through this artistic journey and have led me to this place in my life - where I am able to speak freely about my battles and how I am overcoming them.