We were lucky to catch up with Mary Spellings recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
Actually, my unexpected problem relates to the creative process. I love realistic watercolor painting. Love the wet into wet excitement. A couple of years ago I was introduced to acrylic pouring. I love to do 30×40 canvases that have a certain subject as an objective. I have done many in my studio, but they can be messy. Being a country girl, I decided the perfect place to pour was in a room in my barn.I did the pour of a bird in flight and went to the house. The next morning, I was excited to see what it looked like with fresh eyes. I was surprised to see that mother nature added to my work through the night. There were many ” hundreds” of bugs all over the subject and attached to the paint.It was a unique way to add texture. Don’t you agree?Then I also learned the “level” lesson. After a wonderful pour of a horse. Next morning the nose had run off the side of the canvas.
Mary, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have always had a love for creating. As a child I made puppets with cereal boxes , carved dogs in soap bars,and sculpted with home made clay from the flour sack.I studied art in college. I have painted through stages based on subject and medium.I love the excitement of making art. Watercolor is my favorite medium,although I really enjoy the acrylic pours. I enjoy experimenting with mediums and processes.Texture, value and color are my favorite design elements.I am a signature member of 6 Watercolor organizations. I am part of an artists Co-operative of 20 members in Jackson Tenn.We help encourage each other as artists.Our gallery is right by a major interstate,so when I staff the gallery I get to meet people from all over the world. I also teach classes for adults and children.Besides art though, I live on a farm. I have animals, like to grow roses and cook.So my life is filled with interesting things to enjoy daily that feed my creative side.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of my career is hearing the reaction of someone to a certain painting. As founder of a co-op, I spend a good portion of time in the background with paperwork and finances , etc. so the gallery will run smoothly. Well sometimes I get an attitude. I think, if I wasn’t doing all this bookwork, I could be painting like others. One Monday, I went to the gallery to do business stuff (we aren’t open on Monday). The phone rang,so I answered. The voice was a little anxious ,and said ,”I am so glad I caught you there. I was there a week ago. (She lived ten or twelve hours away.)There was a painting there that spoke to me. Please tell me you haven’t sold it.” I said, if you can describe it ,I will try to find it for you.She said, it was a sunrise and on it was lettered ,Lord you have searched me and know me,you know when I sit and when I rise,where can I go from your spirit, if I rise on the wings of the dawn, even there your light will hide me, your right hand will hold me fast,etc. a Bible verse. I said, that is my painting, it is here. Then she said that her son had been killed in a tragic accident , She had agonized over his death, but my painting gave her peace.So I shipped the painting to her. The reward for me was knowing that my painting made a difference in the life of this lady . It was a blessing to me that it gave her comfort.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
This is an important question. I would love to see people in our community really support artists. New businesses and old businesses need beautiful interiors. Original art adds interest to walls, but also helps artists to continue to create. Individuals can also benefit from having something creative in their home. Art enhances life!!
Contact Info:
- Website: marypspellings.com
- Facebook: maryspellingsart