About P. Marin
The Pen Name
My name is Rachel. P. Marin is the pen name I use when I write and draw. I started using it after we brought our son home from the hospital. He is the real Marin. That night, under the light of the moon, I studied his tiny fingers and toes. I thought about the lives he would touch and about the dreams he would follow. I knew if he were to grow up and live a life beyond his wildest dreams, it would be helpful if someone led the way. So after nearly three decades of giving up on my dream, I picked up my pen. I decided anything I created, I would sign it "Prints Marin" (which I later shortened to "P. Marin") as a reminder that with every finger print and footprint we leave behind, we make a difference. Marin is now an adult and an artist himself.
A Girl and a Dream
Growing up, my dad loved my art. "This is very good," he'd say. Then he'd frame it and hang it and spend time with it. My mom, she loved my art too. But in a different way. The way that you love something and at the same time know both the joy and the risk it can bring. She'd look at my art and she'd say, "You should learn to type. Everybody needs a secretary." After learning to type 200 wpm and becoming a court reporter—and many other things too—I'm finally fanning the flames on my dreams.
I have both my dad and my mom to thank for the passion and fire inside. It was my dad who built the tender nest. But my mom who lit the match.
My Closet Art Studio
When I was a kid, I'd take my pen and paper into my closet to draw. I'd pretend it was my art studio. Not long ago, I got rid of most of my clothes. I'm not pretending anymore. These days I spend my days creating art that draws out the best in us. We only get one shot at life. I believe we owe it to the world to live it well.
If you don't have an art studio and are working at the kitchen table, don't worry. Artists can make art anywhere. I illustrated my first three books in our dining room using an old wicker clothes hamper as a desk.
Find what you love and do it often. And remember, "where" is not the important part. Showing up is.
We Believe in You
We believe there is a seed of magic in each of us and when we water that seed, good things grow. We believe change happens in the presence of love and that the most important thing to remember is we are that love. We believe old-fashioned elbow grease is fashionable and when life gets messy, we have something to learn. We believe in celebrating those things we take for granted. We believe art heals. Joy is essential. And hope is a good reason to keep going. We believe self-love is a prerequisite for compassion and that when we pour from our hearts, they are already being filled back up. We believe our masterpiece is not about what we create but in who we become while creating it. We believe making a life is as important as making a living and that work and play can be the same thing. We believe in taking time to do nothing or something that brings us joy. More than anything, we believe there is light and it is shining on us. Do good with what you have. The world needs all our hopes and dreams.
