Meet Mackenzie Boden | Model & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mackenzie Boden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My mom is a painter, so growing up I was always messing around in her studio above our garage. She gave me total freedom in using all of her supplies to my hearts content, and it was there where I started to develop my own artistic skills. From then on I painted and eventually graduated college with a BFA in studio art and a concentration in painting from Auburn University (War Eagle!). I’m heavily inspired by old renaissance masters and recently have dipped my toes into portraiture by doing a series of realism self-portraits discussing the paradox of vanity through the lens of the goddess Venus.

However, my creative journey is split between modeling and painting. I started taking pictures with my friends around middle school when Instagram was taking off for the first time. I was always the one in the friend group to want to take pictures and that continued all the way through college where freshman year I joined a club called the Auburn University Modeling Board, or just Modeling Board for short. From this club I made a ton of new friends who loved taking cool pictures, and eventually I realized I could actually take modeling seriously. From my time in the club I developed a portfolio and was eventually signed by several agencies, walked in Miami Swim Week, was featured on the cover and in several magazines, and just walked in 8 shows for New York Fashion Week!

So, in general I have a multi-faceted creative life that allows me to be both introspective on my personal experiences, as well as branch out and meet innumerable incredible and talented individuals who really just get it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the core of it all I’m just a girl who loves to watch cartoons, wear pretty dresses, and sit by the pool with a book. These traits have carried into almost every aspect of my life in different ways. For my paintings, I am and have always been inspired by renaissance masters, particularly from the Rococo era, because those works feel like they are capturing a fantasy world. Everything is made with cotton candy color palettes, soft brushstrokes depicting swirling botanicals, and dynamic figures that hold so much emotion and yet appear soft. My modeling is a medium in which I can almost place myself within those confines of canvas to become what I love to see. So in reality, my artwork and my modeling are two sides of the same coin. One where I hold the brush, and the other where I am the paint being pushed around by the photographer and creative director.

The biggest lesson I’ve had to learn is that I’m done being forced to dim my shine for others to feel better about themselves. I will no longer be the scapegoat for others to project their insecurities onto, and I won’t be made into the villain for not coddling damaging behavior.

When you are considered conventionally attractive, people treat you to the extremes; either with utmost kindness, or with blatant hostility (rooted in jealousy) for something you can’t control. There is no in-between. I’ve had to accept that there are some people who have been in my life that I’ve considered good friends, who have been behind my back plotting for my downfall. Nowadays, I am more cautious when accepting new people into my life, and really pay attention to how confident someone is.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In the morning I would take them to the Corner Cafe! They have the most delicious brunch, excellent portions, and the best coffee I’ve had in Atlanta. Next I would take them to either Avalon to walk around the outdoor mall, or maybe Ponce City Market!

It would be a crime to not mention Willy’s as the ultimate quick lunch spot, also ideal for spilling tea and occasionally running into people you’d rather not see. Honorable mention for lunch also goes to Pero’s for their amazing deals.

For a fancier dinner, either Umi, Pricci, or Chops are some of my favorites. And for something a bit more casual I love the Orient Express and OK Cafe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely want to dedicate my shoutout to the Auburn University Modeling Board for giving me the opportunities, friendships, and tools to get me where I am today with my modeling career. Without that club I wouldn’t have any idea that I could do more than take cute pictures in my backyard. I’d also like to shoutout my wonderful professors and classmates at Auburn University who encouraged me to grow tremendously as both an artist and as a person.

Website: https://www.mackenziebodenart.com

Instagram: @mackenzieboden

Image Credits
@theryagallery / @vivianazrya
@robertrainbow
@eye.of.hvbris
@sja.jpg