(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the February 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
"Art is my outlet. It blocks out the world and lets me focus." With these simple yet profound words, local artist Marcie Rodriguez invites us into her world, where creativity has become a sanctuary.
Rodriguez’s roots are firmly planted in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV); raised in the small town of Lyford and now calling Harlingen home, Rodriguez’s artistic journey is as vibrant and textured as the RGV itself.
Rodriguez’s artistic journey began in grade school, during a time when she was learning to navigate life’s ups and downs. What started as a simple pastime in her art class soon became her refuge. Even now, art remains a source of solace and a means of worship, often reflecting her deeply rooted Christian faith. For Rodriguez, creating art is an act of devotion and praise, with many of her recent works featuring religious themes.
Though primarily self-taught, Rodriguez’s skill with charcoal—a medium she fell in love with during high school—sets her apart. Charcoal, as she describes, is raw and real, allowing her to bring out depth and emotion in each piece. While she has embraced painting, starting with small canvases in 2019, charcoal remains her preferred medium, offering a stark contrast between light and shadow that enhances her evocative style.
Rodriguez’s artistic influences include the legendary Frida Kahlo, whom she admires for her cultural pride, resilience, and deeply personal style. Much like her idol, Rodriguez draws upon her heritage, infusing her charcoal works with themes of Mexican culture and a contemporary spiritual essence.
When asked about her experience selling art, she admitted that public art events aren't something she eagerly anticipates. Like many of the celebrated artists of the past—Cézanne, Van Gogh, and even Kahlo—who favored solitude while creating, Rodriguez also enjoys working in the comfort of her own company. "I'm an introvert. I can be in my house all day by myself and I'm happy," she giggles, adding that while she initially explored the idea of joining art-focused vending events, it wasn’t for her. Instead, Rodriguez prefers to sell her art through social media means, primarily Instagram and Facebook. Though she doesn’t yet have a website, it’s a goal she hopes to achieve in the future.
Currently, Rodriguez is not taking custom commissions, instead focusing on creating what inspires her. Someday, she dreams of having her own gallery. For now, she paints in a corner of her living room. While the space is modest, she envisions having a dedicated studio where she can create, display, and sell her art.
One of Rodriguez’s proudest achievements is her collaboration with Ramses Tacos & Tequila in Harlingen, where her art is displayed prominently throughout the restaurant’s two locations. Seeing her work in such a popular space was surreal, and she considers it one of her biggest accomplishments.
Despite her success, Rodriguez stays grounded. As a single mother, she balances her artistic passion with the responsibilities of raising her son. She credits her son as her biggest inspiration, the person who pushes her to keep creating and striving for more.
Looking ahead, Rodriguez hopes to expand her repertoire by exploring landscapes—a genre she hasn’t yet tackled. While many find portraits of humans challenging, she views landscapes as an even greater test of her abilities. She aims to push herself further and grow as an artist. And her advice to emerging artists is both practical and profound: don’t let life get in the way of creating. "Especially if you're young,” she adds. “If it's something that you love and you know you're supposed to be doing… make the time to do it and keep on creating."
A poignant story Rodriguez shares involves her father, who passed away when she was very young. "He loved singing—it was his passion," she recounts. Her father had recorded his voice on a tape recorder, leaving behind a tangible piece of himself. This memory profoundly shaped her view on life and art. "You may not even know it, but you’re leaving pieces of yourself every time you create something. People need to seek out what they love and leave their mark; tomorrow is not promised."
Transcending material possessions, she believes that leaving behind a piece of your passion, a piece of your art, is profoundly more important than material objects. "Whatever you love to do, leave proof of it behind somewhere. Yes, people leave behind jewelry or clothes for their children but passing down a piece of what you love to do is so meaningful," she said, her voice filled with emotion. Rodriguez’s words carry a powerful message: art is not just about expression, it’s about legacy; every creation leaving behind a piece of the creator– mind, heart, and soul– to be appreciated and cherished for generations to come.
Marcie Rodriguez’s heartfelt story inspires others to pursue their passions and leave their mark on the world. For Rodriguez, art is more than a hobby; it’s a way of life, a means of worship, and a lasting testament to the beauty of creation in all its forms. Every stroke of her brush and every line of her charcoal sketches tells a story of resilience, faith, and a quiet determination to leave a lasting mark on the world.
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