Episode 1: Mary Arnett-Delaney

What Muncie Neighborhood do you live in?

The old west end!

I call myself a:

Painter, poet, print maker, zine maker, crafter

What is your creative practice?

My creative practice is a work in progress- working on which direction to work towards, working my practice into my day to day, working on next steps/current steps, just working on it! I have a lot of creative threads I pull on- Painting, Printmaking, poetry, zine making, embroidery, and my latest venture- quilting. But in the past year my main artistic focus has been making zine/artist books, which in my world means writing weird, fun, punchy poetry. I put this poetry into leaflet style books that I make in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and print them with my laser printer and bind with my long reach stapler (both items I bought with the artist stipend I received from participating in MACC’s Box! Box! Project. Thanks, MACC!!) What I’m saying is- I make lo-fi, DIY work with a lot of thought and feeling. I’m just working with what I have at the moment and doing what I can when I can!

Sewing machine, quilt blocks, Cricut machine and laser printer in the background!

How did you get started in your practice?

I graduated from BSU in 2016 with a BFA in Painting. I really started thinking about combining fine art and poetry around my junior year at BSU and I’ve been figuring out how I like to combine the two since. I’ve pretty much always loved doing crafts and started sewing and embroidering in high school. Fine art and “craft” type projects have never felt all that separate to me, but I think my degree has helped me think of how to utilize my craft skills for fine art projects.

Are you an artist full time? If no, what is your day job?

I work at Heidi J. Hale Designs in beautiful, downtown Muncie!

How do you find time to make your work?

Weekends have become sacred. I’m fortunate to have a very regular schedule and weekends off, so throughout the week I try to think of what I can do in my studio area that coming weekend, even if it’s just reading or brainstorming.

What materials, instruments, or technology do you use in your practice?

I use a laser printer, laptop, long reach stapler, sewing machine, Cricut machine (brainstorming how to use it for zine making… stay tuned!)

What is your favorite thing in your studio / workspace?

I love my big comfy chair! I sit there in the evenings and read (or sometimes just watch videos) I’ve been working on making my studio area a place I really like to be, so I’ve added a lot of colors I really love and really trying to make it a part of my home! My current apartment has been the first place since graduating that I’ve taken the time and energy to create a dedicated workspace and it feels so good!!

Where do you find your inspiration?

When I’m making zines and writing poetry, I think of the big idea that I want to express and then boil it down to a few short phrases. I find inspiration through reading poetry and looking at artists who I think do the same thing. I like a lot of text-based artists, so when I see some good ol’ words I’m like -woah- how’d they end up there??

What do you wish others knew about your practice?

I wish people knew.... That I’m trying! And sometimes it feels like I’m not trying, but I look back on the time since graduation and I’m proud of the few things I’ve managed to do! I also wish people knew, especially recent art school grads, that the focus and dedication of time to making art in college is a very specific time in your life that doesn’t really exist if you’re out in the world working and trying to pay your bills and rent. That was something that really took a toll on my self-esteem right after graduating. I’m working on separating evaluating my self-worth from the amount of artwork I produce, which is tough sometimes! Making artwork is something I want to enjoy and not feel bad about how much I’m not doing.

What is your favorite part about being an artist in Muncie?

I like the artist community here in Muncie! I love that it’s pretty tight-knit, but it doesn’t feel exclusive. Anyone can jump right in! And everyone is excited by the great, cool things happening!

Where can people see your work or learn more about you?

Website is (2 years and counting) in the works! I'll rip the band-aid off soon and finish it soon! But in the meantime, you can follow me on Instagram @m.arnett_delaney