​

As the one behind the scenes here at Inspiration Speaks, it has been glorious showcasing incredible, creative souls from around the world--and while I am waiting for my next interview to come in, I decided to answer some really cool questions I've gotten through the years (and most recently!) and give myself a chance to express my own inner process. I could not think of a better way to celebrate the launch of my new album!
...

Q: You are loyal to more than one discipline—writing, music, and art. Do you feel that you need to be in a certain mood or a particular place in life to put on the hat of writer, composer, or artist? Or do these selves exist simultaneously?

​

A: When I was 20, I used to say, “Writing is my calling, music is my love, and art is my hobby.” The person who asked me the question to spur this response told me that someday art would move up in importance and be my lifeline. It was so true—painting was my lifeline for decades while music took a back seat for many unforeseen reasons that were beyond my control. Writing has always been part of my existence and a calling. Now, I have to say that writing, music, and art are a single, seamless necessity for my soul. Each expression inspires another, and I do not feel whole unless the three selves are invoked regularly.

​

Q: Did you ever hesitate to pursue a passion because of gender?

​

A: My mother weened me on the phrase, “You can do anything.” And I believed her. I never once thought twice about hesitating because I was interested in a male-dominant field. At 18, I knew I wanted to go into film scoring and film score collaboration. Back then, in 1987, a woman’s name was rarely ever seen in the credits—and now, even though it’s opening up more, it is still uncommon. I almost landed a score at age 20, but it went to a seasoned man in the business. It did not dissuade me from my aspiration. I had to shelve music for decades, but it is still a beautiful aspiration to hear my work in films. I am presently involved in a small Indie film project with a wonderful female director. I’m happy to say that it is an all-woman crew, and my music will most likely be a part of this. Here’s to second chances with no plans, no pressure and just for the love it!

​

Q: If your own life was set to music, what would it be?

​

A: 25 years ago, it would have been Mozart’s Requiem; 10 years ago, AC/DC’s Hell's Bells! Right now, it would most definitely be the exquisite, passionate beauty of 2Cellos’ rendition of Karl Jenkins’ Benedictus.

​

Q: What a would a fly on the wall (or a spy) witness when you are in the throes of a painting spree?

​

A: Me—in reading glasses, a messy black dress with old paint stains, music in my ears…oh, yeah, and me stopping periodically to dance to a beautiful song (paint brush still in hand) or dab on some ethereal, really good jasmine absolute.

​

Q: Your paintings the past 2 years have taken a radical turn; what inspired you to abandon nightscapes and Goddess portraits? And who are these mesmerizing, passionate lovers who keep turning up on your easel?

​

A: For most of my adult life, creating art was catharsis, an inaudible autobiography, a CD skipping in the same place over and over again. My inner life was shaken awake in a wonderful way in 2016 and set me on a deep healing journey. During this time, true inspiration—the kind I never dreamed was possible—held me hostage for days, weeks, and months at a time and it was nothing less than felicity! The Muse finally showed me the luminous side of Her face, and I fell in love with her when she whispered, “Joy is the road home.” As for my lovers on canvas, they are part of this awakening and a story I hope to tell someday in words, a body of work that will be a legacy of sorts and will encompass art, music, and a book. It is what I get up for; it is what I am here for, on this earth, and I could not begin to tell it until I was 47 years old. For now, the story is in the brush strokes, an ongoing, ecstatic process.

​

Q: What was it like to produce and film the music video for the title track of your new album, Rose Gold?

​

A: It was one of the most personal, deeply-feminine experiences of my life. Filming at my favorite places in nature—pine groves, a lake shore at sunset—felt like I was presenting my truest self. Nature is my life blood. This piece of music opens the door to another world, a world within, a world beyond this one, a glimmering realm where anything is possible, where joy and the depths of longing bring us closer to Mystery. Recording the music track, filming, and putting the video together transpired over the course of 24 hours of gorgeous inspiration. I thought it would take weeks! But I took my hands off the wheel and let the Muse drive. It was surreal...even those gold sandals were acquired the same day, in a vintage shop, on the bottom shelf hidden behind a chair—my size, 3 bucks. Yeah, the Muse was definitely leading the way!

​

Q: It is 7 a.m., where are you and what are you thinking?

​

A: I am lying in bed, practicing meditative, circular breathwork while listening to the sparrows chattering with exuberance outside the window and I’m thinking about where my soul might have traveled during the night and wondering how to re-tell it in paint and pastel.

​

Q: You say that “Joy is the road home.” What is your joy?

​

A: Celebrating, acknowledging, living, breathing, eating, passing on and making love to Beauty is my joy. Spending every day with my husband Joe is my joy—this man who has proven to me that true love is like flowing water; it is not a hunk of karmic marble we must chisel out but a harmonious dance where we both anticipate the other’s step in an unconscious, effortless way as we navigate life’s rapids. My joy is also knowing who I am, finally…as I stand in the threshold of 50. Joy is a frequency, not a mood—and I know that I can stay inside of joy even when I am unhappy. This is the key to everything.

​

Q: You have a few moments left on earth—what are you thinking before you fly through that luminous, open door?

​

A: “I hope I told the story well...and that they believe it.”
..
Website
 

Official Music Video
 

Behind the Scenes: Rose Gold (Marlaina talks music, inspired roots, and second chances)
 

​