We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Lynch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mary, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I’ve been artistic since childhood, but abandoned this during later years. My focus became the same as almost everyone I know..find a great job, get married, etc.
I did occasionally draw, but only began painting around nine years ago.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I had been at a full time job for eighteen years, and painted part time at night and on weekends. At the beginning of covid, I decided to take a leap of faith and paint full time. By this time I was more secure in my niche, which is modern landscapes, painted with oil, and atmospheric skies. I also paint abstract landscapes.
As a child, I was endlessly fascinated by storms..not necessarily the darkness, but the drama and energy. This is what comes naturally for me with my art. One thing I hear a lot..and love to know..is that my art makes people feel very emotional. It brings a bit of nostalgia, making them feel as though they ‘have been here before’ in one of my landscapes. This is very high praise, in my book.
I offer a variety of sizes and price points. There is literally something for everyone. I also pride myself on customer service, responding to all messages promptly. I try to engage my customers on a personal level, which keeps them coming back when they shop for more art.
Some of my proudest accomplishments have been in finding local gallery representation. I have a local presence in Vapor Valley Gallery & Studios in Hot Springs, AR, and at The Gallery at 1894 in Texarkana, AR. Both are just amazing, and have a fantastic collection of artists. This year has been one of tremendous growth for me. I had my first solo show in June, and I’ve recently begun teaching a few art classes at Vapor Valley Gallery & Studios.
I’m also very active in local, national, and international competitions and exhibitions.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
One thing I wish I had known early in my journey is that there are endless resources for inspiration. I have a few favorite artists who offer YouTube videos, and I still watch them regularly. These are helpful when I have a bit of creative block. They are so inspirational, both with color and composition. There is also an arts center, Winslow Art Center, which offers a good selection of free classes online.
I believe these would have helped me discover my niche a bit earlier in my career.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Without a doubt, what I am questioned about most is why paint dark landscapes.
I always do my best to explain..almost always successfully..that it’s not the darkness that draws me. It’s the energy and drama. I have so many customers who will put several of my pieces in a room, because they are calmed by the atmospheric scenes.
I also explain my fascination with storms. Many times, I will completely lose track of time, because I’ve become so much a part of what I’m painting. I definitely paint on an emotional/intuitive level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hickory-studio.com
- Instagram: @hickory_studio
- Other: www.hickorystudio.etsy.com
Image Credits
Mary Lynch