We recently connected with Mary-Ann Prack and have shared our conversation below.

Mary-Ann, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Actually, my most meaningful project is the one I am currently working on, the creation of monumental size sculptures. This is a vision I have had since becoming a sculptor. I believe that size does make a difference in terms of exposure, recognition and the potential for success as a sculptor. To have this artistic dream come true is important to me personally as well as professionally.

Creating monumental sculptures in metal from approximately 15 to 40 ft. in height will require the collaboration with an outside foundry or fabricator. This way of working will be challenging as I will not have the hands on control over each part of the artistic process that I have valued since I began sculpting in clay. Moving to a monumental scale will also require communicating through models, maquettes, drawings and verbal instruction, then, entrusting my design to a fabricator to execute exactly what I envision. The sculptures will be commissioned; as new designs or modeled after an existing sculpture of mine.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My appreciation of art and the creative process developed from an early age. I grew up in Canada in a very creative home environment surrounded by artists, architects, engineers and great art. This part of my life continues to influence how I see the world, appreciate and respond to it. I watched my father design beautiful buildings utilizing architectural drawings, renderings, and models. My mother created a fabulous environment for our family to enjoy. She introduced me to sculpting in clay as I modeled for her as a child.

Believing it would be impossible to make a living as an artist I decided to become an interior designer. Interior design was a valuable experience and influence in my art practice later on. To satisfy my passion for fine art while designing interiors, I attended ceramic sculpture classes at Florida Atlantic University in 1981-82. I experienced an immediate connection with the medium of clay, intuitively developing a unique, distinctive style that continues to evolve and excite me today. In the late 80’s I began exhibiting my sculpture at art festivals in Florida. At the time it was great exposure and experience in dealing with collectors. On several occasions I delivered my sculpture to spectacular homes where my work was placed with art by Miro, Hepworth, Calder and Picasso. A few years later, I had my first solo exhibition at the Raleigh Gallery in Florida. This was a turning point and since then I have had gallery representation in the United States and Canada with numerous solo and group exhibitions, awards and placement in many private and corporate collections.

I am mostly known for my clay sculpture inspired by the human figure. My interpretation of the human experience on a physical, emotional and spiritual level is revealed in each of the sculptures I create. Their shapes are elegant and organic, with geometric surfaces of primarily colorful glazes and incised lines. When my sculptures are experienced in person they reveal a distinctive presence, personality and energy, each conveying real human qualities and emotion. It is my intuitive process of turning clay into something tangible and meaningful that has intrigued me over the past forty years.

I began painting in 2004 after treatments for cancer left me temporarily unable to sculpt. Fortunately, there was a silver lining, painting became as important to my artistic expression as sculpture.

Creativity is an integral part of my life for which I am extremely grateful. I believe my creative passion is fueled by having multiple art forms to work with beginning with sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, and in more subtle forms, the presentation of my artwork, living spaces and even how I dress … to me it is all art!

Life as an artist is challenging. Yet, to me, there is nothing more inspiring, rewarding or joy-filled than creating art and ultimately sharing it with others.

My home, studio and sculpture garden are located in the mountain community of Jefferson, North Carolina.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist is rewarding in countless ways, from the creative process itself to the positive response my art receives from others. I believe creating and living with art, connecting each day with its energy and positivity is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. Art is a gift that I cherish and am grateful for. It reminds me of the goodness and beauty of the human spirit, and how fortunate I am to connect with mine every day. It is also rewarding to think that much of my art will live on and be enjoyed beyond my lifetime.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The multitude of resources the internet has to offer has had the biggest impact on my life as an artist. Being able to connect with artists and art lovers from around the world through social media, zoom, podcasts, etc., and having platforms such as Canvas Rebel to put myself and my art out there has been amazing!

As a full-time fine artist for 40 years I depended on galleries for my income, exposure, and the promotion of my work. The art world changed, primarily as a result of the internet and I realized I was not prepared for it. Fortunately, I discovered Art NXT Level, an online business and mentoring program for artists at all levels. This program has improved my outlook, understanding of the internet and what it takes to succeed as an artist today. The ArtNXTLevel creators, Dr. Yanina Gomez PhD and Sergio Gomez MFA have recently published a book: “Crush Self-Sabotage and Live Fully!” The Artist’s Wellness Journey to Confidence and Success. I highly recommend this book and the Art NXT Level courses to artists that are struggling in any way.

Physical books will always be important to me. The first art book to impact my direction and desire to be a sculptor was “TOWARDS SCULPTURE” Drawings and Maquettes from Rodin to Oldenburg, W.J. Strachan.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prackart.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/prack_art
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/maryann.prack
• Linkedin: www.linkedIn.com/in/mary-ann-prack

Image Credits
Photos by artist – Mary-Ann Prack