Marissa Arterberry, Artist and Sales Clerk

Photo: Spencer Heyfron

What kind of art do you do?
I paint really brightly colored pictures of black women.

Where do you find your subjects?
They’re pretty much made up out of my head. I think of them as superhero goddesses.

Do they all look like you?
People always say they do, but sometimes they’re naked, so it’s kind of embarrassing.

Where do you do your painting?
My room. I don’t buy posters or anything; I just cram in as much of my art as I can.

So you’re constantly surrounded by superhero goddesses?
Yeah. They’re all very friendly-looking ladies, though, so it’s nice to have them all watching me.

Interview by Rachel Baker.

Marissa Arterberry, Artist and Sales Clerk