Madison Perrins is a painter and muralist based in Bozeman, Montana. She uses vivid color pallets and abstract elements to capture the landscapes that speak to her soul and wander rent-free in her dreams. Her work captures the essence of emotion, color and wonder that creeps into our subconscious and inspires our daily lives. When you can’t find the right words to describe what you saw or how you felt, Madison is there with a brush in hand to help.
This series from KÜHL goes beyond getting to know an artist's work and inspiration. We dive deeper into their origin stories and struggles to learn how they cope with failure, critics, and success, yet still find time to do the things they love. Born in the mountains, raised in the studio—these are their stories.
It began in a darkroom. There, among the chemicals and creativity, Madison found a profound love of expression - for hope, for beauty and for herself. It was this love that would lead her to discover the importance and need for her to create.
Madison graduated from Montana State University’s photography program in 2013. During her studies, an experimental photography course introduced her to the tactile and exploratory form of art that she really connected with. She loved the idea of not being committed to the final frame of a photograph. Having the freedom to manipulate, experiment and tweak a photograph before and after the shutter snaps really resonated with her.
Madison’s obsession in the dark room evolved into digital work. After graduation she went on to become an adventure photographer for Outside Magazine. She loved traveling abroad, seeing new ecosystems and the diversity of new places and people.
When she returned home to settle down, she still loved photography, but wasn’t really interested in capturing the exact representation of reality. She continued to shoot but brought those images into photoshop to refine them and add her creative touch. This provided a low-cost and easy way for her to explore her unique relationship with reality and photography.
Hundreds and hundreds of images later, she began to refine her technique, finding her voice and looking to other mediums. She taught herself to draw and picked up a paintbrush not long after that.
Not much later, a company based in Salt Lake City reached out to her about painting a mural on a three-story indoor elevator shaft. There’s a first time for everything, so she accepted the job and began her largest and most ambitious project yet.
Growing up, art was never really an integral part of Madison’s life like it is now. But creativity runs in her blood – she came from a family that included quilters, crafters, and singers.
Madison was born in a small town in Maryland. She eventually relocated to Montana as a teenage where her father was born and her grandparents made a living as sheep farmers. Growing up, she followed her dad throughout the US on the horse racing circuit. He was a race announcer, and she was the young and curious child around the prized animals.
She’s called Bozeman, MT home since 2003 and can’t really see herself anywhere else. The treasure state witnessed her grow up. The land is a part of her, and she is part of the land. Its presence has always been there and can’t be replaced.
Madison’s work is evocative. Her art feels like fragments of a dream you forgot you had but comes flooding back in a wave of color and emotion.
Her use of space and abstract elements feel life affirming, like she’s giving her audience permission to feel, love, do, be or even cry how they want to.
Her surroundings inspire her work and her relationship with these places helps her interpret them. To Madison, having a relationship to the outdoors is a privilege. To spend time outside is a grand and multilayered experience that she wants for everyone.
Many people forget how important access to these wild places is for many of us. For those who struggle to connect, her work provides something to talk about and experience.
Madison says her work is an expression of an urgent feeling—emotions she can’t hold back. Although her practice is solitary, one can sense the connection and unity in her work.
With this practice comes vulnerability. There are inherent risks being an artist; failure, imposter syndrome and doubt can seep into one’s sense of self-worth. And sometimes the very thing you love can turn into your biggest obstacle.
When we spoke, Madison had just returned from Vietnam. She packed her bags for clarity, space, and most importantly, time away from her art.
To her surprise, her love for art was beginning to fade. She noticed the creative process was not bringing her the joy it had before, and this frightened her. She was even worried she might not be able to reignite her passion for her work. But taking time away from it and not engaging with it was just what she needed.
Three months abroad with her boyfriend, immersed in a different culture with its beautiful people, distinctive food and adventures revived her. She got SCUBA certified, rode tuk-tuks, planes, trains and ferries and returned back home with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and fresh appreciation for her practice.
Even a dream job is still a job. When Madison began, she treated making art like a job. She guarded her time to create. One hour a day, every day, she sat down to make art. This intentionality laid a foundation for commitment and sacrifice that would help her grow into the talented artist she is today.
Today, the dedication to her practice remains. Moving forward, one of her goals is to paint a mural in every state. She recently discovered bikepacking and wants to explore more of Montana via two-wheels.
To keep up with Madison and view more of her work, follow her @madisonperrins or better yet, bring home a unique piece of her artwork for your walls — https://www.mperrins.com/.
Get all the news right in your mail
Homemade electrolyte drinks are the unsung hero of today's fitness-conscious and health-centric society. These DIY drinks can…
Read More
Even a dream job is still a job. When Madison began, she treated making art like a job.
Read More
