In my paintings of ‘Utah’ I am far more concerned with representing and questioning cultural and visual expectations than with illustrating a scene. In a sense, my paintings are anthropological; in them, I often dwell on the values, activities, and events of ancient and contemporary cultures, “tracing” the traces they left behind. These are records of how we impact, leave our mark, our history, on the earth. All my work, in some way or another, is about landscape and how we see ourselves through it and impose our values on it. I twist perspective, visually and historically so we can see it new.

Marissa’s art practice explores discarded, altered, and abandoned elements, forging visual connections between initially unrelated locations and materials. This exhibition will showcase the evolution of her ongoing observations through urban Utah. Utilizing mobile photography, collage, and installation, Marissa aims to elevate the ordinary, fostering a closer relationship between the observer and their surroundings. Her designs evoke both an enigmatic and familiar essence, inspiring deeper exploration.

Marissa was born and raised in southern California, and she earned an MFA in Studio Art from BYU. She currently serves as an adjunct instructor at BYU and UVU, where she teaches drawing, painting, and design courses.