
Marlaina welcomes invitations
to speak in person* about mind-body connections,
trauma and the nervous system, and her personal story
of complete remission from 25 years of living with
myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFIDS) and severe fibromyalgia.
If interested, please use the Contact form.
(*northeast Pennsylvania only; Marlaina does not charge for speaking engagements.)


Creation is a dialogue, not a monologue. -Michael David Mayo
Marlaina is a third-generation painter forging her own path
and living the creative process as a sacred act,
one intended to bring the viewer closer to the infinite beauty of existence.
She received her first commission at age 16, but art did not become a dedication
until her mid-20s when her life plans were derailed by sudden illness
that would last for two and a half decades.
Art was a lifeline and catharsis as she dove headfirst into professional portraiture,
goddess art, and nature with a focus on magnificent trees and windswept heavens.
In 2017, after 20 years of solo exhibitions in Pennsylvania, Virginia,
New Jersey, and New York state,
Marlaina pulled out of the traditional gallery scene, ending on a high note
with a solo show at the mayor's office in Port Jervis, New York. ​
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In 2016, Marlaina experienced a life-altering physical health remission
that forever changed how and why she creates.
She retreated into her studio and inner world and emerged seven years later
with 200+ paintings and no longer had interest in participating in conventional,
more superficial arenas of art, craving a deeper experience.
Her multi-sensory one-woman solo art exhibits with her visionary paintings,
music, poetry, healing perfumes, and visual meditations
at wellness centers, contemplative spaces, and yoga studios
offer healing and mindfulness for the community.
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Unlike many of today's painters, Marlaina does not use any technology
or imposter techniques (tracing projectors, photo canvases, etc.)
in her process. After working in acrylic for 25 years, she switched solely
to oils in 2011. She follows the path of the old masters-
traditional oil techniques that include walnut oil, spike and linseed,
eliminating the need for toxic thinners including turpentine.
She also works in pure pigment soft pastel,
oil pastel, and mixed media on paper.
Her canvases range from 8"x10" to 48"x60".
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