Meet Artist Marla Morrison Fucich
Meet Marla Morrison Fucich, the artist behind the mesmerizing poured acrylic artwork that embodies our "Overflow" Easter theme. Her life and work reflect a beautiful, ongoing exploration of art, faith, and the possibilities connecting the two.
"Many of us at Chase Oaks have enjoyed following Marla’s work on Instagram or as one of the key chalkboard artists at our Sloan Creek Campus. It was great to have the opportunity to work with Marla as she helped create the Easter experience at our church. She is incredibly talented, with such a kind and generous heart. I think her artistic eye will help each of us this Easter appreciate God’s beautiful love which overflows toward us and challenge us all to be a conduit of that love toward others." (Greg Holmes, Pastor of the Arts and Cultural Transformation)
Read more about Marla below:
Q: Who are you?
I’m Marla Morrison Fucich, a child of God, wife, mom to three kiddos, artist, teaching artist, and a continual work in progress.
How did you become an artist? What is your story/who inspired you?
Like many children, I loved all the art materials: paint, pencil, clay and so on. For example, in my free time I would set up mini still life collections and paint them in my room. As my parents realized that I enjoyed all things art-related, they were great at finding art classes for me to take after school or in the summer. When I would paint or draw, it just seemed like it made sense for me to be spending time in that way.
I began to recognize that not everyone could see and do what I could do, and it helped me define some of what made me, me.
Connecting with various art teachers from my elementary to high school years was an important part of my art journey as well.
When it came to deciding what to do with my life, sometime around senior year of high school, I felt confident that it would need to involve art in some way. After considering combining art and psychology to become an art therapist, or art and education to become an art teacher, or art and business to become a gallery owner/curator, I finally had the conviction to pursue becoming an artist. I needed to pursue making things even without fully understanding how I would be able to make a living. Looking back on it now, that was one of the early steps of faith in my art career.
Q: What does it mean to connect art to faith?
Showing up regularly to create is one connection I have to art and faith. Faith that there’s value in using the talents God has given, even when the purpose can be difficult to see or understand. My work isn’t about Christian symbols or obvious themes. The act of making is where I connect to God.
After letting my art practice slide during early child rearing years, my faith reignited by regularly designing chalkboards at Chase Oaks Sloan Creek. The process helped me revitalize my skills, my relationship with God, and find new friends at the church.
Q: What is acrylic pouring?
Acrylic pouring is a painting method in which loose texture acrylic paint is blended with fluid pouring medium and then poured onto a surface. Certain chemical components can be added to the mix to create expanding cells and bubble-like shapes. The technique often involves spreading the paint around to create beautiful waves, swirls, and other designs. It’s a spontaneous way to paint, and typically one in which the artist gives up full control of the resulting image created.
Q: Why did you decide to take on this project for Easter at Chase Oaks?
I decided to take on this project because I relish the chance to use art to share about God’s goodness, and His promise to us as we remember and celebrate during Easter. It’s also a joyous way to serve, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity!
Q: What is your hope for this project?
My hope for this project is that it will reach those who need to see church in a new and fresh way. In addition, that it will be inspiring and encouraging to people who are curious about what it means to be a Jesus follower.
Q: Where can people find your work or connect with you, online or via social media?
I’d love to connect via Instagram @marlamorrisonart, my website marlamorrisonart.com or on Facebook @marlamorrisonart.
Celebrate Easter with us! Find times and locations, here.