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The UnreSTRICKted Depiction of an Indescribable Determination
http://www.globalsoulpower.com/articles/16/1/The-UnreSTRICKted-Depiction-of-an-Indescribable-Determination/Page1.html
Oliver W. Ottley III
Oliver W. Ottley III is a freelance writer born and raised in Augusta, Ga., with roots extending to the St. Thomas Virgin Islands. Versed with an esteemed career in music as well as writing, Mr. Ottley is now a world traveler and has dedicated his life to becoming an advocate for the prosperity, enlightenment, and unification of worldwide black culture. He is currently writing for Global Soul Power and Freedom People Magazine. 
By Oliver W. Ottley III
Published on 02/1/2008
 
While he may not be the most renowned household name to you, for over twenty five years, Marque Terrynamahr Strickland has embodied perfection by manipulating every part of artistic culture imaginable; across nearly every continent. Writer extraordinaire, painter, sketcher, and everything else in-between, it’s no coincidence, only befitting fate that one of the world’s most gifted, below the radar, expressive deities, link up with one of the world’s most innovative, up and coming, steam gathering websites; to have ourselves one magical, memorable, groundbreaking interview. Check it out.
The UnreSTRICKted Depiction of an Indescribable Determination

At an opening glance, observers can only wonder have they suddenly fallen asleep, only to be awakened by the subtle strokes of modern, hypnotic ingenuity; or if reincarnation has thrown them back into the mysteriously refined era that birthed brilliance like Salvador Dali and Rembrandt van Rijn, but it’s neither; this is just simply what the intricacy of Marque Terrynamahr Strickland’s craftsmanship does to you; awe. A 31 year old Chicago, Illinois native, Marque Terrynamahr Strickland, epitomizes artistic superbness. From abstracts, breathtakingly striking still photography, to being a contributing writer for Moviespot Magazine, there is no question that “Strick” was destined to creatively decipher the world’s story as he sees fit. Whether it’s an exposé in Montreal, followed by a business transaction with an enthusiastic client in London, M.T. Strickland is the real deal; and graciously enough, he allowed Global Soul Power a brief moment to delve in his realness.

                                                                                                             

First off, lets start with how long have you been an artist, and how did you get started?

 

MTS: Just before 3 years old. By the time I went to preschool, I already knew my colours. My mom had to teach my brother and I not to eat our crayons or to not write on every white surface we found, but she kept buying them for us, nonetheless. Dude, the walls in our house were FUCKED UP! LOL!

 

Is there a specific motivation behind your artwork or do you just simply “draw from a blank canvas”?

 

MTS: Both. Sometimes there is an idea beforehand, but right now I’m working on a piece that would be considered ‘off the fly.’ It’s just like when an MC freestyles. I’m just getting funky with the colours, you know. No plan. No structure. It’s quite fun!

 

You’re style is like nothing I’ve ever seen! Take me through the process of what could you possibly be thinking in order for the end results to come out as masterful as they do.

 

MTS: You know what, man? …I’m just a perfectionist. I like to make sure my execution is as unique, detailed, and technically perfect as possible. I want my work to be able to stand next to anything else that’s out there. Believe or not, my work is still not where I want it to be. I have more to learn…but once I get this super-realism down…IT’S OVER!

 

When you photograph, paint, draw, etc; what is the chief accomplishment you hope to bring across in your work?

 

MTS: Getting messages like this from my fans makes my work worthwhile! :

 

“PS...

I still thank you for the paintings you sent...
They make me feel safe in times of need.
Every single one of them is on my wall at the entrance of my door.
Thank you so much...”

 

This is one of the highest accomplishments I could possibly achieve with my work!


How are things going for you currently in your career? Are you at a comfortable place right now?

 

MTS: Hah hah…you must ask me this question again later in the year! 2008 is going to be NUTS!

 

Whose works are you an admirer of? Or to put it a better way, who are your “artistic heroes”?

 

MTS: Aw, dude, that’s a tough one. It could be anywhere from some of my friends, like Naoto Hattori, Sas and Colin Christian, or Kris Lewis…to old school masters, such as Norman Rockwell, Bouguereau, Jan Van Eyck, Raphael, Michelangelo, DaVinci, or Hieronymus Bosche!

 

What is the most fulfilling part about what you do?

 

MTS: It takes me away from all the nonsense that’s going on in the world…that’s especially a need for me in these days and times.

Also, I love the fact that I get to inspire people. I had one kid tell me recently that he wanted to be an artist just because he saw my work. 

 

What kind of advice do you have for up and coming artists?

 

MTS: Patience is a very bitter plant, but it bears the sweetest fruit! …that’s an old proverb.

 

Any major plans for the future?

 

MTS: Well, in the near future, I have to finish these books I’m working on. That’s what I’m accomplishing over these next two months.

 

…and as far as the distant future goes? …ARTISTIC WORLD DOMINATION!

 

Where can new fans and potential customers reach you?

 

MTS: Yep, hit me up at www.myspace.com/marque_terrynamahr, or at artboy@morpheezjah.com. Also, I can be reached at this number, at least until I can get an agent that is. 1-773-532-9773  

 

It was a pleasure Strick.

 

MTS: Any time, bro!