Artist Background
Mark Faulkner, a talented artist from Otis, will soon showcase his stunning abstract acrylic works at The Orphanage from April 25th through May 25th in an exhibit titled A Journey Within. Mark studied at Metro State College in Denver and served in the U.S. Air Force. His military service and educational background may seem unrelated to his artistic pursuits, but they have significantly shaped his creative journey.
- During his time in the Air Force, Mark was exposed to various forms of art and culture, which sparked his interest in creative expression.
- Upon returning to civilian life, Mark began to explore his artistic side, leading him to study at Metro State College in Denver.
- After graduating, Mark moved to Otis to retire and experience the beauty of Colorado’s eastern plains.
Artistic Influences and Inspiration
Mark says that he has been an artist all his life, but started creating works in summer 2018. Inspired by his daughter and her husband, they rented a studio in the downtown Denver art district on Santa Fe Drive. 910Arts is a collective of artists located in a converted industrial space. Mark’s artistic journey is also influenced by his personal experiences and challenges.
“Art has become a means of self-exploration, enabling me to discover aspects of myself that were previously unknown or unacknowledged.”
— Mark Faulkner
Mark’s abstract art employs acrylics, water, and impasto technique. Each canvas is an exploration of emotions, ideas, or experiences through evolving techniques. Some pieces surface with difficulty, while others emerge effortlessly in a focused “flow state.” His style celebrates nature by evoking the discovery of ancient relics through color, tone, and shape.
| Techniques Used | Description |
|---|---|
| Acrylics | A versatile and fast-drying medium, acrylics are ideal for Mark’s abstract art. |
| Water | Mark incorporates water into his art, creating subtle textures and blending effects. |
| Impasto Technique | A thick application of paint, impasto adds depth and dimension to Mark’s artwork. |
Accolades and Online Presence
Mark is part of GalleryOne962, a 3D virtual gallery, and had a 1st place win at the most recent Yuma Art Association Show. He co-wrote The Art of Vulnerability: Maqui Mack’s Journey Through Healing and Creation with Boky Atelier & Store, which is a retail space and online presence displaying luxury, creativity, and artistic expression through handmade items and original pieces for home or office decor.
- Mark shares his artwork and process on Instagram under the pseudonym MaquiMack.
- He is part of GalleryOne962, a 3D virtual gallery showcasing his art in an immersive and interactive environment.
Upcoming Exhibit
The art show A Journey Within runs from April 25th to May 25th at the Orphanage, 300 S. Main Street, Yuma. Exhibition hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1 pm-4 pm, closed Mondays. Join the opening reception on April 25th, from 5-8 pm, refreshments will be served.
Mark Faulkner’s A Journey Within exhibit promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience. With his unique blend of abstract acrylics, water, and impasto technique, Mark invites viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration.
