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How did you come to your particular artmaking practice? Did any people or experiences put you on the path to working in your particular genre or combination of genres? What motivates you to make the work that you do, in the way you do it?  

I feel I’ve grown into the artwork I do today. I wasn’t influenced by anyone in particular. I have an eye when I see something that could be transformed. I’ve never really thought about my genre or medium. I work with many different materials from paint, building materials and items I find at goodwill or on the side of the road. I guess I would say I’m a upcycler. I love the idea of taking something no longer wanted and making it into something new.

What are some of the things you’re most looking forward to about the spring season? Is your artistic practice seasonal, in any way? Are there any North-Central Ohio spring traditions that you participate in, or that are particularly meaningful to you?

I’m most looking forward to getting out into the sunshine. Nothing affects my mood more than the warm sunshine on my face and sitting in some cool moss against a nice sturdy tree. My other favorite practice about spring is “spring cleaning”. Many people are throwing out their old to bring in the new. I’m out there taking their items and making them new for someone else. I love that I’m making functional art and helping the environment at the same time.

Do you have any “minor” or secondary art practices — i.e., genres or modes you work in, which might not be your dominant mode, but have a special place in your heart? How do these modes relate to your “major” practice?

One of my most favorite works to do are memorials for those that have lost loved ones. I’ve done portraits as well as encasing items in epoxy. These hold a special place in my heart because I lost my brother 6 years ago and any little memento I can have of him to help me remember him means more than anything to me. I love the smile I’m able to give them for even a second to show them someone is remembering their loved ones.

Tell us about your artmaking space! Some artists have “studios,” of course, but others work out in the world — or in combination! Where do you compose, conduct, or create most of your work? What is the space like & what helps keep you creative, inspired, on-track, or motivated?

I recently moved back into my old studio. I have worked out of my home studio for years. No matter where I live I always have to have space for my materials and to create. My Art has become my therapy. My studio has a combination of some of my favorite things I’ve collected through the years, a combination of finished and unfinished projects and of course all of my supplies. I have everything from paints and brushes to power tools that I work with. I would say I get the most satisfaction out of a good furniture flip.

At Terradise Nature Center, we think alot about the way the Whetstone (Olentangy River) influenced & inspired the life’s work of Trella & Ray Romine. Everyone has some sort of “home river” — even if it’s a little tributary or creek! Tell us a little about your “home river,” “home forest,” “home park,” or & the ecosystem you grew up in! Is there a natural space or place that had a big influence on your childhood? 

I graduated from Ridgedale Highschool. The house I grew up in had 8 acres of land with a part of the Little Scioto that flows through it. My brother still lives there to this day and I get to occasionally visit the creek when I have time. We spent all of our summers making rafts to float on it and the winters ice skating when it would flood the yard and freeze. I cherish those times. I’m trying to reconnect to nature as I get older.

Born and raised in Marion, Ohio, I’ve been creating art for over 20 years. I studied art at The Ohio State University at Marion (OSUM) and continue to explore new ways to express creativity in everyday life. I run a storefront where I host community paint parties and create upcycled art in my studio space. Alongside my studio work, I also take on interior painting and mural projects. As a mom of five, my work is deeply rooted in themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and connection—often inspired by both nature and the rhythm of daily life.

— Wendy Murrell, Multi-Media & Recycled Art Artist (Marion)

Works coming soon..