Artists Mark & Carla Templeton
1. For people meeting you for the first time, how would you describe MCJ Fabrication and The Silver Door, and what inspired you to create them?
We always start with the business side when introducing ourselves. We describe ourselves as two people who work and create together. We started MCJ Fabrication in 2000, and this is our bread-and-butter business. The Silver Door came about because we wanted to explore creating art in different forms and to have a space where we could share that creativity with others.
2. How did the two of you first come together creatively, and how has working as a couple influenced your artistic journey?
We primarily collaborate on my metal sculptures, trophies and similar projects. Mark has a more abstract style, while I tend to be more realistic. Working together can definitely be ego-taming! Constructive criticism is part of the process and, on occasion, it can lead to a little fist-fighting or arm-wrestling – where, of course, I always win! But in all seriousness, working together has taught us the value of respecting each other’s perspectives and finding a balance between our different creative approaches.
3. Mark, what first drew you to fabrication and working with metal or other materials?
Pure necessity. Fabrication was initially a way to provide for my family, and over time it became much more than that.
4. What do you love most about the creative process?
In both our work and our art, there is something incredibly satisfying about seeing a finished piece come to life. Taking an idea and turning it into something tangible and creative is what makes the process so rewarding.
5. Carla, what is your creative vision for The Silver Door, and what do you hope people experience when they walk into the showroom?
The Silver Door is a place where you can find unique, handmade treasures and stunning works of art. We want to share the uniqueness of this special rock with both locals and visitors to the island. Our vision is to never stop evolving, experimenting and pushing ourselves to explore mixed-media sculptures and new forms of art. And what do we hope people experience when they walk in? “Awwww!” That little moment of surprise and delight is exactly what we’re going for.
6. Your work combines craftsmanship, art and design. Where do you find inspiration for the pieces you create or showcase?
From my mind, my surroundings and my experiences. The bank of inspiration is endless.
7. How do you divide the creative and business responsibilities between the two of you?
We have a very balanced lifestyle. We each have our strengths, and we work together in a way that allows us to make the most of them.
8. Do you ever disagree about an artistic idea or project? If so, how do you turn those differences into something positive?
YESSSSS! There may be some arm-wrestling or fist-fighting involved! But the real answer is mutual fairness. We discuss our differences, listen to each other, and eventually find a solution that works for both of us.
9. What makes creating and running a creative business in St. Maarten unique?
We are two of the fortunate humanoids who actually look forward to coming to the workshop every day. There is something very special about being able to live and create on this island, and we don’t take that for granted.
10. How important is it for you to incorporate the island’s culture, landscape, people or Caribbean identity into your work?
We create what people request from us, while also giving ourselves the freedom to create from our hearts. That balance allows us to respond to the community while still experimenting and expressing ourselves creatively.
11. Is there a particular piece or project you have created together that holds special meaning for you?
Yes. The new seahorse sculpture is particularly meaningful to me, while Mark’s special piece is the UNITY sculpture, which was inspired by the incredible sense of unity our island experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
12. What is the story behind these pieces?
The UNITY sculpture was inspired by the way our island came together in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. It represents the strength, resilience and unity that emerged during a very difficult time for St. Maarten. For me, Henri the Seahorse was a personal creative challenge. I wanted to combine aluminium with fused glass and experiment with different tools to create different effects. Starting with a sheet of metal and manipulating it in several ways to conform to my vision was both challenging and exciting. And why a seahorse? Because what an incredible little creature!
13. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as artists and entrepreneurs, and how did you overcome it?
When we are challenged, our process is pretty simple:
Step one: Discuss it.
Step two: Sleep on it.
Step three: Wake up and discuss it again.
Step four: Solve it.
We believe everything has a solution.
14. What does success mean to you beyond simply selling artwork or completing a project?
Being healthy and happy. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
15. Your motto is, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” What does that quote mean to each of you personally?
No matter what, you can make it work with what you have. No excuses – at least for us. It’s about making the most of the opportunities, resources and circumstances in front of you instead of waiting for everything to be perfect.
16. What advice would you give to young artists or creatives in St. Maarten who want to turn their talent into a career?
Just do it! Start with whatever is available to you. Never stop learning, and seize every opportunity that comes your way. NEVER, EVER GIVE UP. Most of all, do what you love. The magic is in the evolution of your work – continuing to learn, experiment, grow and discover where your creativity can take you.
17. Looking ahead, what dreams or projects do you still hope to bring to life through MCJ Fabrication and The Silver Door?
We would love to take our artwork internationally and share it with our surrounding islands. There are still so many ideas we want to explore, so many materials we want to experiment with and so much more we want to create.
