marsh
artist grant: Greener Experience
Candyce "Marsh" John is a visual artist whose work delves deep into existential themes, reflecting her experiences as a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individual in a world marked by resistance, resilience, and revolution. Her art, which emerges from a journey of grief to gratitude, encapsulates the nuanced narratives of love, loss, and liberty, expressed unapologetically through a Black lens. Born and raised in New Haven, CT—”a city where tragedy and triumph coexist”—Marsh uses her art to transform personal pain into positive expression. Her work, characterized by a fusion of textiles, texture, natural talent, and refined technique, evokes a sense of radical spirituality and culture, challenging taboos and inviting audiences to explore her kaleidoscopic perspective.
Marsh's body of work includes paintings, murals, sculptures, artistic books, and more using mediums like watercolors, acrylics, spray paint, and ink to create mixed media works. Her unique style, which began with her love of childhood cartoons, has evolved into a dynamic contemporary expression, most notably in her faceless mini-portrait series. This series, inspired by a self-portrait assignment, captures intimate moments without facial features, allowing viewers to connect with the essence of each subject. Raised by a single mother and late grandmother, Marsh attributes much of her success to the values instilled by these strong women. After a near-death experience and the loss of her grandmother, Marsh fully embraced her creative potential, earning a degree in Fine Arts from Gateway Community College and finding her true calling in painting during her first art show back in 2015. An accomplished multidisciplinary artist, Marsh uses her art not only for self-expression but also to benefit important causes and to give back to her community.
Spatial analyses of New Haven tell us that access to urban tree coverage is most scarce in historically redlined neighborhoods, which were also the most disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The desire for more urban green spaces has been emphasized since the beginning of the project at Haven Arts Park, being spaces that offered recreation during isolation and health in the long term. Fusing the importance of greenery with art is what we believe exemplifies a true “greener experience” that encourages reflection and healing.
Proposed as the centerpiece for the “Greener Experience” section in Haven Arts Park, Untitled stands as a profound emblem of healing with nature. Crafted with an earthy texture and muted color palette, the sculpture subtly complements its verdant surroundings without overshadowing them, encouraging a seamless connection with the natural beauty of the park. The distinctive loop of the structure at the abdomen of its abstract body emphasizes the greenery around it, serving as a portal that invites visitors deeper into the park. This piece is not only a visual attraction but also functions as a meditative space where visitors can pause and reflect. Upon closer inspection, what initially appears to be a simple rock formation reveals itself as an intricate sculpture, embodying the park’s mission to provide a healing and safe, greener experience for our community.