Bio
Marcy Ann Villafaña is an award-winning artist whose work celebrates the beauty and strength of the feminine form through precise paper-cutting techniques. Born in Southern California in 1968, Marcy’s creative journey began at a young age, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and making her mark on everything she could. Her unique artistic approach, influenced by Patrick Nagel, Robert Wyland, and Robert Mapplethorpe, focuses on controlling her medium with the precision of an Exacto knife. Over the years, she has refined this technique, creating intricate pieces that explore light, shadow, and shape.
Marcy’s work has earned her several accolades, including Best of Show for “Manet Skelly” at the 37th Annual ACC Student Art Exhibition, hosted at the Julia C. Butridge Gallery, Dougherty Art Center, with the piece being acquired by the Austin Community College Private Collection. She received 2nd Place for “A New Awakening” and Honorable Mention for “In the Dark” at the 8th Juried Invitational Exhibition, 1600 Smith St. Gallery. Additionally, she was awarded Honorable Mention for “In the Dark” at the 39th Annual ACC Student Art Exhibition and received a $1000 scholarship from The Austin Art League. Her work “Island Prayer” received Honorable Mention at the 3rd Annual “THE BIG SHOW” at Round Rock Arts, Texas State University, to name a few.
Residing in Texas, Marcy continues to evolve her artistic practice, drawing inspiration from the ocean and marine life for her “MarSea” series. In addition to her mixed-media oceanic art, she explores human anatomy in her muscle studies using charcoal and conté. Her work embodies freedom, gratitude, and connection to nature’s essential elements.
Artist Statement
As a young child, I drew on any and everything, making my mark on all my surroundings. Always, having drawing tools, glue, and scissors at my disposal, I left my mark on everything. I was even cutting my sisters’ eyelashes off at the age of three without my parents’ permission, of course. It was perfect! (Wow, it would be a whole other story if not!) A very exact and precise form of cutting and drawing soon developed.
Inspired by the works of Patrick Nagel, Robert Wyland, and Robert Mapplethorpe, a child of the 80s’, I derived my style through my love of cutting paper. This particular form of art is an expression of my need to control my environment. Unlike other artists who can paint and draw (which I do as well), I find my satisfaction in the precision of cutting the papers with an everyday old Exacto knife and their textures. Nothing new, nothing fancy. No templates, no machines. Not the latest cutting techniques or gadgets…no curved blades, just my hands, my eyes, and a straight razor. I developed this style when I teenager as a result of my near-sightedness.
My work is mostly of the feminine form. In my admiration of real women; mothers, athletes, home-makers, dancers, famous or not, women with uplifting attitudes, strong-minded, caring, nurturing — with goodwill, I strive to create masterful pieces to express their inner beauty, goddess, and spirit within. – All Women, everywhere.
Currently, I am playing with color and childhood dreams, sharing my love of the ocean and life-essential water, and feeling freedom and gratitude.
MarSea – Ocean & Marine Life Fine Art
Don’t forget to check out charcoal and conté – Muscle Studies.
RADIANT BEAUTY CAPTIVATES!
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Accolades
Grants/Awards
Marcy’s commitment to her craft has earned her numerous awards, showcasing her talent and innovation in the art world.
Installations
Marcy has contributed to impactful installations that allow her work to connect with audiences in powerful, immersive ways.
Publications
Marcy’s work has been featured in art-related publications and recognized for its distinctive voice and artistic depth.