Mary Morgan — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

Mary E. Morgan is a Texas born abstract expressionistic painter. Although her life’s career was teaching, Mary is currently a working artist. Mary’s artwork is often recognized by her spontaneous mark making and use of mixed mediums. She recognizes that the content of her work is a combination of ‘conscious and subconscious thought, a process that is a reflection of her soul. Although Mary finds it difficult to explain. she said, “Before I start a new art-work I have an idea of a desired color pallet and ground but more often than not as the painting develops it becomes something that I may not have planned”. Mary explains that her collective work is a visual of her life’s journey. The stories from her life’s travels, family, and everyday circumstances are significant influences.
Mary’s style and philosophy has been significantly influenced by many past and present artists. Here are a few of her favorites: Wassily Kandinsky, Joan Mitchell, Willem de Koonig and Robert Rauschenberg.
Mary recognizes that it’s the beauty of the challenge that keeps her active, motivated and excited about the next painting. Since the Covid-19 she continues to work steadily in her home studio.

Artist Statement

My influence as an abstract expressionist artist is continually impacted by my life’s journey. My artwork continues to evolve through the lens of my emotional and intellectual response to life’s experiences. The product is a reflection of the enmeshment of internal and external world influences or a combination of these. More specifically the content of my work stems from the following influences: nature, family, literature and spiritual emphasis. The process is why I continue to create. It is my desire to continue to work consistently and spontaneously as I seek new avenues of learning, increasing my knowledge and development as an artist.

What first prompted you to become an artist?

As a child I always loved to paint as I tried to paint the sunsets across the prairie from my house. I realize that I was not an artist at that early age but perhaps a “budding artist”. I loved the idea of putting color on a surface and expressing what I felt when I looked at the afternoon sky. I ultimately became an artist after teaching art for many years. When I taught art I gained valuable knowledge as I researched many artists who inspire me today. After retirement I had time to develop my style and skills.

What kind of artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I am an abstract expressionist artist. I will continue to be expressive and create paintings in this style.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your artwork?

I hope to communicate many things to anyone who views my work: beauty, wonder, peace, joy, hope and thoughtful meditation. I mentioned in my artist I hope to communicate many things to anyone who views my work: beauty, wonder, peace, joy, hope and thoughtful meditation. I mentioned in my artist statement that my art is about my life’s journey. It is a personal expression about my life’s experiences through creative visual communication. My desire is that my audience will have an emotional connection and will interpret the work according to their own voice.

Can you explain the process of creating your artwork?

Absolutely it is my pleasure to speak about my processe. I usually have an idea about what has inspired me and what color palette I’ll use before I begin a new work. The beginning of a painting is simple. I paint an underpainting with a color that I think represents an emotion. Sometimes I make some marks or draw with a color or multiple colors or charcoal. Some of my work is experimental and or spontaneous. I aim to make my mark consistent but often my paintings involve a wide range of subject matter and technique. At some point during the process I try to let my subconscious take over. The final outcome is a blending of the conscious and subconscious mind through the creative process. After I‘ve completed some of the painting I stop and take a look. I usually stop because I am either at a stopping point or maybe I have painted enough for one day. After many layers, the work usually becomes what it was meant to be.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

My favorite part of the creative process is when I see the painting begin to take on its own personality and I can feel the emotional content.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration or what we can look forward to seeing from you in the future?

For the past three months, I am finishing a large memorial commissioned mixed medium painting. Even though it was a challenge I am very happy with the end result and happy that my client is also pleased. During the months of working on a commission, I’ve divided my time by working on other artwork in a different location. I’ve incorporated printmaking into my process and use the reduction prints as collage work in a larger mixed medium painting. I am currently working on an expressive piece with “family” as the subject of the painting. I plan to continue to express current or past subjects or events in my life as subjects in my artwork.

Website artist@marymcdowellmorgan.com

Instagram @maryemorganart

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