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

Hi Rahn, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
I’ve been studying Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy.” It’s basically an extensive all encompassing visionary poem based in the author, Dante’s time period in the 12 – 1300s of Florence Italy. But this beast of a sonnet has it all. Death, life, love, hate, envy. My first curiosity came from the obvious first section of the book Canto I, Dante’s Inferno. which illustrates in great detail the 7 levels of hell. Reading some of the way Dante’s ideas have lingered into our ideas of the hellish eternity of damnation has me thinking.. could this book teach me something new ? This book came from a poet who went blind because he wrote by candle light, which is poetic in itself. Something about creating a great work of art (The Divine Comedy) and it being bigger than life, soul sucking, rewarding, all of it. But you lose your eyes.. We have all sacrificed something in the name of something we’re passionate about. One thing I found in the book was the human experience is almost not our faults. We mess up, forgive, and carry on. It all comes down to love and forgiveness, even if you don’t believe in that..it makes for an epic story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Oil Painter, Wood Sculptor, and I’m a Welder by trade. I’ve previously worked in a church as their Minister of Art, which involved rigorous art making within an expansively large sanctuary. I’ve since moved on to following my grandfathers path as a Welder by trade, while also giving myself time for my painting practice. These are very important to me, and show up in my work. I paint Catholic Saints whose stories align with the tragic lives of black, and brown martyrs of today, mostly unknown. My sculptures tell a different story of ancestry, and mysticism, and are inspired by to black folk artists of the south. I try to make my art timeless, but not completely stale of contemporary zest. Browns, olive greens, and yellow ochre are my favorite colors to return to the feeling of the timeless, while also holding space for the present.

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?
Memphis has some of the best food in America. Obviously BBQ is very good, and theres no one stop shop for it ~ each bbq shop is different, and has pros and cons. TOPS BBQ is one of my favorites, I grew up on it, and I enjoy their rich BBQ sauce, and they make a great burger…its just good all around.

Places to hang would be Crosstown Concourse, in Midtown Memphis ~ plenty of relaxing areas to read, or people watch, and the Art Bar is a nice tucked away cove of ceramic cats, and vintage furniture in orange lighting that makes for a good time out with friends.

Overton parks is my favorite public park, it has vast forest to walk, golf courses if you’re into that, and our Brooks Museum is on site as well, and is very beautiful, inside and out. Our Metal museum is a nice hidden gem soon to move into the park as well. Where our old art school, Memphis College of Art sat. I’m very excited for this move for them, and for the metal arts to come into the park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First Congregational Church

I worked and lived here for most of my young adult life. Every hard lesson of patience, stillness, and courage has happened in this one place, and spawned an eternal fire of creativity in me that I wouldn’t have come as fast . I’ve met my mentors here and people who just inspire me to be great. to name a few Sonia Walker, visionary, social activist, and phenomenal human. Cheryl Cornish, bold, intelligent, and one of the best pastoral speakers I’ve ever heard. Sam Griffin who has been my boss, friend, and now manager has taught and led me into some many wonderful opportunities that have naturally become a feather in my ever growing wings. Thank you

Website: [email protected]

Instagram: rahn_marion/instagram.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.