Experience The Buzz: No. 12 -- MAREN CONRAD | Sacramento Artist + Muralist on Steno.fm

Experience The Buzz

No. 12 -- MAREN CONRAD | Sacramento Artist + Muralist

February 15, 2021 3:00pm

1h 29m

I am just going to say it ... Maren Conrad is a BADASS artist and muralist! Her work is all over Sacramento. This fifth generation Californian is an open book when it comes to her story and her art. Her style is not defined by how a piece of art or mural looks. It has everything to do with the story she is trying to tell. The way Maren speaks about what is behind her work should and will inspire you. I am inspired just writing this. All the more reason to check out what she is all about.

In today's interview episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard spends time with Maren Conrad. "I learned so much in this episode because of Maren Conrad. I truly saw art one way and Maren inspired me to look at things in a much different manner. Her work is amazing. I can't wait to take the tour and see every piece in person." Our conversation hits FOUR areas:

Segment ONE focuses on Maren's journey through art, being a woman entrepreneur, defining her style, growing up in Sacramento, and an initial dive into two of her recent pieces of work honoring the women of the 19th Amendment and the Transcontinental Railroad.
Segment TWO focuses on Maren's opportunity to do a Ted Talk. Through that Ted Talk, Maren speaks openly about losing her husband Dennis and the effect that had on her art going forward. Maren talks about her art during college, after college, and after the tragedy of Dennis' passing. Then we get insight to the Dandelion Story, when the Genius Arrives, and her first mural which is called "Prosperity Through Perseverance" arriving in 2016 thanks to Wide Open Walls. So much good stuff to unpack.
Segment THREE Maren describes to me (an art novice) the process of being commissioned to do a mural. Great stories behind Lady Bird, incorporating other art forms during her work, and one of my favorite pieces ... Mr. T on C Street.
Segment FOUR, Maren speaks about her latest piece in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg ("Seeds of Change"), her Urban Roots Piece (Converse Shoes), and the Peacock at DOCO. Rapid Fire and Great Finishing Thoughts finish out this Talking Story.

Here are some of my favorite HIGHLIGHTS ...
1. Every piece that Maren talks about has a story. You get an idea of how much work and preparation is put in before any stroke of the brush ever happens.
2. I am in awe of Maren's ability to take on HUGE projects like her first BIG mural "Prosperity Through Perseverance" or the "Transcontinental Railroad"
3. Maren brought up some very important facts including art seen in a gallery (85% male, 15% female) and sold (+70% male). If there was ever a voice for Women in Art, Maren is leading the charge.
4. When talking about art after losing her husband, Maren said, "We look for t