Couldn't Make It to The Stepdad Show? Here's a Recap and How to Still Get a Piece Of Your Own
Last Month: The First Stepdad Collages Show. Next Month: The First Stepdad Collages Online Sale.
I’m a big fan of white boards. I have one in my office/studio that is constantly scribbled all over with quotes and notes that are inevitably erased and replaced. Only the top right corner is immune to erratic changes— a box with bold borders protecting a list titled GOALS 2025:
Start Stepdad Substack ✔
Create Stepdad Website ✔
Throw First Art Show…
I stared at the third line item for months, motivated but scared. Scared to put myself out there in a way I never have. Scared to do something I’d never done before. Scared I wouldn’t be able to do it, and maybe most scared that I was too scared to even try.
For months I spent every day cutting up magazines, and far too many way-too-late nights in my backyard with cans of 3M spray adhesive. I didn’t need any more collages to throw a show— I already had over fifty— but going into creative overdrive with the excuse of “wanting to put together a show” was easier than facing the more difficult task of executing shit I had absolutely no experience in.
But that third line item was still there,
staring right back at me.
So, I did what I’ve always done
when I have no idea what I’m doing:
I just fucking did it.
I hit up a few different spaces and in July ended up booking an evening at Virgil Normal, a local spot that I’ve been a patron and fan of for years. It felt like the right fit for my first show: an Eastside establishment known for its design, its dedication to handcrafted art and hosting cool events.
Their patio was not an art gallery. Whatever. Wasn’t stopping me. I bought gallery wire and all kinds of hooks, got creative with magnets and bulldog clips, tested out half a dozen different light fixtures and dented my credit score— and a couple of lamps— after buying about a dozen more.
And on August 23rd,
I threw my first art show outside
in 95° heat, 50% humidity,
motivated, yes, but mostly scared.
Scared I was gonna pass out since I had half of a heat stroke that day in my own damn house. Scared that the pages of my prized vintage magazines that comprise each collage would disintegrate. Scared people wouldn’t show up. Scared people would show up and I’d have boob sweat and rip my slacks down the ass because the air was so hot & thick it was like I dried them on high & ironed them directly onto my body.
Shockingly, no one melted,
my art withstood the elements,
and the patio filled with
family, friends, fans & strangers.
I’m so grateful for everyone who came to the show. This may sound silly or strange or whatever, but your support meant so much to me because this isn’t something I’m “known for.” It wasn’t me performing comedy or pouring wine. This was me doing something completely different, offering nothing but literal raw work. And you still showed up for it, for me. And I even sold five pieces! [Shakes away teary eyes] I’ve been searching for more poignant words to express all the feelings I’ve had since the show but fuck it, the bottom line is: Thank you. Thank you so so much.
And now that I’ve sweated the fear out,
I’m more motivated than ever.
Coming Soon: Stepdad Limited Online Sale
For those who weren’t able to come to the show because you were huddled under an AC vent (rightfully) or because you live outside Los Angeles, I’m happy to announce that for the first time, I will be selling original Stepdad Collages online.
There will be pieces from the show at reduced prices and there will also be pieces from my collection that weren’t on display. I’m moving in the next few months and need storage space for new pieces, and because as much as each piece means to me, art is meant to be out in the world. It’s meant to be seen and felt by others, not cherished (possessively hoarded) in the darkness of the artist’s childhood hope chest.
I’m still figuring out the logistics, but most likely the pieces will be on my website and you’ll email me to purchase. They will be sold on a first come first serve basis. I’ll be accepting electronic payments directly (Venmo, Zelle, etc) because setting up a whole-ass online retail shop? For one sale? IN THIS ECONOMY?!
If there is a particular piece that you’ve seen here, on the Stepdad website or on the Stepdad IG page* you interested in purchasing, feel free to email me at sales@marissaaross.com. No guarantees but never hurts to ask!
*Stepdad’s IG account is private so I don’t get banned for boobs but I accept all requests.
I hope to have the sale up in the next week or two, so stay tuned.
💋
MAR
If you’re afraid of commitment &/or the economy but still want to show support 💦