Ivy In the Valley: Budding Artist Ivy Markel

Ivy In the Valley: Budding Artist Ivy Markel

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

Local artisan Ivy Markel, a tattoo artist, painter, and potter has always seen her world through the lens of creativity. For her, love is what drives creation, and there is peace to be found in that. A Flatwoods, Kentucky native, she began creating at the age of seven when her grandparents paid for her to have painting classes every Sunday.

“I would go and I would paint for three hours, and that just sparked something in me, just to create. I felt really peaceful when I was making something and I think it just continued to weigh on my heart, I was like ‘I have to create,’” commented Markel.

Inspired by her grandparents, Markel has since trained at Northern Kentucky University and studied under established artists. Now, Markel is ready to expand into the tattoo market and teaching world to help share her art with others and inspire them to make their own.

Recently, Markel finished teaching an 8-week pottery course at Merging Rivers Pottery. The studio is a collaboration between local artists, businesses, and the University of Kentucky extension offices. Markel served as one of their pottery teachers, designing her own curriculum and showing students the basics of throwing on the wheel. After learning how to throw pottery at Northern Kentucky University, Markel found a passion for creating out of clay. A natural educator, she loved the opportunity to work closely with others and share her passion for pottery.

Besides her experience in pottery and painting, she has also branched into tattoo art. Working out of Meraki Studios in Ironton, OH, Markel works directly with community members, bringing to life what others are dreaming about. 

“I’ve been working on learning how to do tattoos, and I feel like that sparked [my inspiration to create] because it was the first time I was able to talk one-on-one with somebody about what they wanted me to create,” detailed Markel.

“[I love] making something that I love and really enjoy making, but also something people are going to really enjoy having.”

Custom art has taken Markel in many directions, allowing her to explore different mediums and subjects. All of this drives her to create, and sharing those creations with others is at the heart of her purpose. Her art revolves around making those around her feel seen, creating shared experiences between the artist and the viewer.

“Bringing somebody else joy through something that you create–it’s a gift. That’s what I think drew me to create. Not only is [art] an outlet for me, but I also feel like if you’re creating out of love, it’s an outlet for somebody else too,” explained Markel. “I want people to feel valued.”

While Markel’s journey is just beginning, her goal is to continue creating and using art as a way to connect and help others. Her work has taken her to craft fairs and classes alike, each time meeting new and exciting people along the way. She is also interested in clothing design with her line of “Made New Tees” and different types of art.

For more information about Ivy Markel and her art, you can find her on Facebook under “Ivy in the Valley” or at your local craft fair.