Get To Know Mary!

Please give us a brief bio, where you are from, who you are, and how you started in this field?

I am a painter and art educator living in the Greater St. Louis Area. I am originally from St. Louis, but have spent a lot of time in Michigan, too, where I went to graduate school and taught at Interlochen Center for the Arts for 10 summers! I have a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art: Painting.

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I've loved making art for as long as I can remember, always taking as many art classes as I could, even during the summer!
It was in college, during my Painting I class I decided to take the leap and major in art, specifically painting.

What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?

I am inspired by nature, maps, art and travel, landscapes and geology! Keeping a blog keeps me motivated, accountable, and inspired.
Each Wednesday, I post a new painting I've completed that week.
I also keep myself motivated by planting small seeds...applying to galleries and residencies and shows.
It also helps being surrounded by creative people!

How would you describe your style?I would describe my style as mixed-media abstract, with lots of layers and textures and a variety of media.
My paintings are layered with maps and scientific illustrations and geological diagrams of land formations.
I am captivated by the idea that geological shifts and transformations seem to parallel both individuals and their relationships: continually changing, varying, shifting and developing, too.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Passionate, optimistic, creative, compassionate, introspective.

Anything else you would like to add?
Favorite quote?

I love this quote by Albert Einstein:
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Words of advice?
Words of advice:
Never give up! Be true to yourself and be kind to yourself, too.
Remember everything's not black or white; there are lots of shades of gray in between.
Finally, practice, practice, practice and plant small seeds