Meet Marieken Cochius | Visual Artist creating Abstract Organic Art

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marieken Cochius and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marieken, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?

Hi! Thank you for having me, and it is an honor to be back!

I like this question about habits, because as an artist there are many jobs you do. And having some good habits make them easier.

To begin with, there is the making part, the creation of the work. Over the years I have worked in a lot of media. Right now I am welding and using a blowtorch and steel. I am always discovering new things.
The the most important habits I can think of? Curiosity, being inquisitive, inventive, have the courage to try things out. Play. I find there is nothing more rewarding than following the questions that arise in my mind:

Can I draw with a welding torch? Can I paint with a blowtorch? Would mustard create an interesting patina on steel? …Well, apparently yes…. who knew?! This project is ongoing and growing and so wonderful to explore.
Second big habit: Discipline. Having a routine is most important. It is 9AM therefore I am in my studio and start to work. There is no “waiting for inspiration”. Nah, questions arise when you are working.
For me another good habit is Organization. From tools to paints, to gathered leaves or batches of rust, you name it, I have an area or a container for it and know where to find it when I want to use it.
Safety. Whether working with pigments, or welding, sanding or whatever, I make sure to wear respirators, gloves, coveralls, keep my work area clean, ventilate, don’t track stuff into the rest of the house. Yes I can experiment, but I am very mindful of my body and the health of others.

Then there is also the promoting and showing and selling part of the profession.
Some of the same habits apply here: Discipline and organization. I source possibilities online, apply for grants, shows, publications and residencies. Every day I work a couple of hours on the computer. I am learning to write better, take better photographs of my work, update my website, do social media. It is a lot of work. I keep a calendar with upcoming deadlines for important things. I work on my artist archive to keep track of all the work I have made. I take classes and do research and sometimes hire people to give me a hand.

One last habit I can think of for now: Support! Help each other, share what you have learned, Fuel a spark in others, keep an eye out for resources, connect people, and help one another up. Ask, suggest, and put yourself out there, go talk to people. Offer help, ask for what you want, show up, make friends. It is not always easy for me to go out and mingle but it so rewarding when I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Thank you!

I have started referring to my work as “Abstract Organic Art”.

I am very interested in biology, geology, physics, astronomy, neurology and psychology. Although my work is rooted in observation and awareness, it is not conceptual nor preconceived. I have learned to create work with my subconscious mind.

Only a part of the information that your brain is processing every second reaches one’s consciousness. You are interconnected with, and part of everything around you on a much larger scale than you realize. So where does the self end, and the world begin if you and your environment are actually inseparable?
Analyzing and dissecting these different facets of reality is very interesting to me.

The complexity of ecosystems fascinates me. It is astounding how many kinds of connections between species or even particles exist to exchange energy and information. The actual paths of interconnections can take similar looking shapes, even on different planes. Think of photos of galaxies from the Hubble telescope, or neurons firing, mycelium or nerve systems.

There are many similarities between my work and the natural world. My sculpture, drawings, and paintings focus on fleeting moments by evoking the mystery and power of nature through intensely materialist and tactile forms and imagery. I am on a quest to create something true, that is recognizable without your intellect.

I work in many different media, from felting to works on paper, to oil painting to welding. I am currently working on a large series I call “Welded Drawings”.
They are the the handmade version of 3D printing and laser cutting.
I use a welder in ways it is not specifically intended to. Starting with a steel sheet, I ‘draw’ with a Mig welder, and build up reliefs as I go. Nerve or root like systems grow together with different marks, textures, and cuts made with the welder. I incorporate the melted steel drips and discolorations and warping of the metal sheet. When ready, I cut or burn parts of the steel sheet away with a welder or a cutting torch. I then create different patinas and protect the work with a variety of seals.

This results in metal lace-like shape, which when displayed a couple of inches from a wall, creates fabulous shadows that enhance the total experience of the work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Hudson Valley in NY, where I live is gorgeous and diverse. It has such natural beauty, and there are great communities of artists, musicians, craftspeople, museums, galleries and fantastic restaurants in the many towns. In Wappingers Falls I’d take them to Norma’s or The Hog for breakfast, then we’d go and explore a couple of the many great galleries and museums in the area. Magazzino Italian Art, Dia Beacon, The KuBe Art Center in Beacon, The Lockwood Gallery in Kingston, Katonah museum, Hudson Valley Moca and many more. Then dinners at Miss Saigon Pho, Palace Dumplings, Gino’s Italian Restaurant, Cafe Maya, Lopburi Thai Restaurant, Los Hornitos Bakery, KPOT Korean BBQ, County Fare bar, all in Wappingers Falls, NY.  Another day I’d take my friend kayaking on the Hudson, or hiking at the Shawangunk Mountains, the Catskills or Bear Mountain. And finally stare at a campfire with some local brews from Obercreek Brewing Company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My shoutout is to artists helping artists in need. This shoutout is to a fantastic group of blacksmiths who really helped me out during an emergency in 2023.

The Deventer Smidsgilde, and Smederij van Woerkom in Deventer, The Netherlands!

My mom who lives in Deventer, the Netherlands, had a terrible accident and broke a couple of her bones last fall. I got on a plane the next day to go help her and be there for her. I had no idea how long I would be away, but I did know that I needed to work and weld while I was there. I packed my welding helmet, steel toe boots, coveralls etc, in my suitcase and hoped to find a place where I could use them.

It took a bit of asking around, but then I heard of a group of blacksmiths who had recently incorporated into a guild: the “Deventer Smidsgilde”. I approached the men and explained my situation. These guys opened their doors of their metal shop for me, and gave me a place to work. Artists helping artists in need!
Working there was amazing. On top of having a place to create, I also learned new techniques and skills from them which helped me grow a lot in my craft. Their friendship, generosity and their trust in me to let me use their equipment and give me a space to create a new body of work was amazing. A very big thank you to them!

The new works I made there are now shown in a solo exhibition at MIMIK Theater in Deventer, The Netherlands until March 4 2024.

Website: https://www.mariekencochius.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariekencochius/

Linkedin: Marieken Cochius

Facebook: Marieken Cochius ART

Other: Artwork Archive: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/marieken-cochius

Image Credits
all photos by Marieken Cochius except photo #2 Joris Perenboom and photo #7 Andrew Cook