About Mary
“As they say, it isn’t a book until it is opened and read. Same with art.”
I went to Wimbledon School of Art in the late 1960s on a pre-diploma course. I picked up again some 40 years later via adult education, specifically, via the Mary Ward Advanced Practice course in 2012. In between? I have a Cultural Studies degree from the North East London Polytechnic, (now East London University), an invaluable life skill. Then I ‘emerged’ from the muddy depths of goodness-knows-what. As you do.
Artist Statement
My work is experimental in 3D installations and 2D in painting, drawing and printmaking. For 3D work I use mainly recycled materials to create symbolic narratives, mixing plastics with steel. To date this has been about the celebration, plight and hopes of refugees and all global travellers arriving in England. And their baggage. In 2D I am interested in capturing movement and the patterns of nature; turning these on their heads to disrupt the stasis of the medium: paper, a canvas, wood, a piece of lino. Then again, I love landscapes and will resort to figurative descriptions when I fancy. Oh, and iPad. No holds barred in this game.
Artist Process
I love a good process. My work is in process. More detail can be found in statements on the different categories on this website and I will, from time to time, blog about the processes of production which can’t be left out of the picture. I mean thought, planning, ideas: these underpin the development of any piece of work and need an airing. I was accused, once, by a Stuckist, that my work was ‘conceptual.’ I love a good compliment. What hasn’t got an idea or more lurking behind the finished product? I hope you enjoy my work on this web site.
Exhibitions
I have taken part in exhibitions since I took up art again in 2012 following successful open call applications, as a part of group shows (including the thriving east London artist networking group Creative Bloc), and in support of several fund-raising events where work has been sold to support refugees as well as artists with additional learning needs through the Artbox charity. In addition, I have a great interest in curation. To this end, I co-curated the outdoor 3D show, On the Brink, which formed a large part of the Leytonstone Arts Trail in 2016, with fellow sculptor Brett Banks. This involved a hands-on involvement from beginning to end, with open call and other publicity material, the selection and placement of work and even, at one point, wielding garden shears in preparation for the show at the Quaker Meeting House, Wanstead. The success of this show has meant it will be a biennial event and the next show, co-curated again, will be in 2018.
Later Exhibitions
-
When the Imagination Wakens, Quaker Meeting House, London: July 2017
-
Movement, Fill the Gap Gallery, London: July 2017
-
Solastalgia, Made in Greenwich Gallery, London: September 2016
-
100 x MADONNA, The Crypt Gallery, St Pancras Church, London: September 2016
-
On the Brink 3D (co-curator & exhibitor), outdoor installation & sculptures exhibition, Leytonstone Art Trail: July 2016
-
Print exhibition of Shadwell Printmakers, The Brady Centre, London: June/July 2016
-
Howl at the Moon, Hoxton, fundraiser auction: March 2016
-
Equinox, a Creative Bloc show, Loughton, Essex: March 2016
-
Secret Postcard Sale, FOLD Gallery, London, raising funds for Artbox London: August 2015
Early Exhibitions
-
Incognito, a Creative Bloc show, Courtyard Gallery, Hertford: June 2015
-
Incognito, a Creative Bloc show, Stone Space Gallery, London: March 2015
-
Leytonstone Art Trail, group show, Red Lion, London: July 2015
-
Come Hang with Us, fund-raiser, Norlington Studios, London: July 2015
-
Print exhibition of Shadwell Printmakers, The Brady Centre, London: July 2015
-
Heaven and Hell , Espacio Gallery, London: January 2014
-
Set in Stone, Fill the Gap gallery, London: July 2014
-
Connections , Espacio Gallery, London: July 2013
-
Open Open, Swiss Cottage library, London: July 2013
-
City Lit group exhibition, City Lit, London: 2012 and 2013
