We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Morris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mary, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I began drawing and painting at a very young age. I cannot remember a time in my life when I wasn’t painting, creating, designing or studying art. I believe it is important to be consistent with taking classes and workshops at any age or proficiency one has in painting.  There is always something new to learn from other artists. You are doing yourself a disservice when you remain in your own space.
I took a three year Master Artist Program four years ago. If it had been available decades ago I would have had more opportunities, exposure and sales early on.
I think the time one spends painting is one of the best ways to learn and improve. Studying Anatomy and Perspective were essential in enabling me to paint more proficiently. Both are important and fundamental to growing as an artist.
To study what lives beneath our skin and how each muscle moves is crucial for Portrait Painting.

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.

I opened a small Business, Magpie Designs, when my children were very young. I painted and designed stationery and invitations. I soon became overwhelmed with the business side. I was fortunate to have the choice to resume spending every single moment with my children. The most important job!

One the side, I participated in various group home shows and Christmas Boutiques with friends. This was fruitful in building a client base for Pet Portrait Commissions. Animals are my favorite subject matter.

When my kids were off to college I realized my dream and moved to Charleston. The beauty of the historic city buildings, the ocean, the marshes, and wildlife provide an endless inspiration to paint.
During COVID I began collecting oyster shells from the marshes. There is something so gratifying about trudging through the mud, picking them out, cleaning them and creating something that accentuates their natural beauty. I am just one in a sea full of Oyster Craftsmen in the country.

Throughout my process of developing my paintings I am thinking of what the title will be and what type of story or message to send. Naming my work is just as important as painting it. This gives it meaning and life. I want my work to bring out an emotion, conjure up a memory and remind us that every day is a gift.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, there is nothing greater than knowing that someone loved your work enough to bring it home with them. I think that our paintings are pieces of us. When I look at one of my paintings I can remember what songs I heard, what I was feeling and what was happening around me during that time. Things unspoken but understood.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A few years ago I went out of my comfort zone and entered every juried and non-juried show I could find in my area. I participated in a 4 week exhibition called Art-O-Matic, was part of several group shows, two charity auctions and a couple of out of state juried shows. I was constantly packing and transporting my paintings all over the place. I would often come back home and unpack almost every piece I left with. I remember my kids asking how each one went and delivering the news. I would often come home after a show with almost every piece I left with. I am not going to lie and tell you I didn’t shed a few tears on the drive home with the same number of paintings I left with not long before. It made me stronger. I realized that it’s okay to pull in the driveway with a trunk loaded with paintings. Everyone is not going to love your work but the ones who do make it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marymorrisart.com
• Instagram: @marymorrisart

Image Credits
Kim Keelor