Interview
Mary Morgan
Mary’s artwork is about her life’s journey in abstract form. Her paintings are landscapes of the inner and outer life influences, where memory, nature, and faith dissolve into shifting fields of color and light. Her process combines conscious intention with subconscious discovery. She is inspired by nature, family, significant events, and sometimes a combination of these. Mary says, “Often, it is only after the work is complete that I fully understand what has emerged through the painting process onto a surface.” Mary’s ability to work in different painting mediums, including watercolor, acrylic, and oil, leads to a diverse portfolio, as do her printmaking skills. She mostly works in two dimensions but has a series of works that she calls “relief sculptures.” These sculptures come in various sizes and are uniquely created with shaped paper mounted on a surface or shaped canvas mounted on a two-dimensional surface.
Her artwork spans multiple surfaces, with canvas most common, but paper and wood panels also appear. Mary grew up in Fort Worth, lived in Colombia, SA, as a girl, and spent her senior year of high school in Zurich, where she took her first art class at the International School. Living in different cultures enhanced Mary’s love for indigenous people and places. She knows that living in Europe deepened her interest in art and artists. Mary received her BA from Baylor University in '72 and her MA from Texas Woman’s University in '02. Mary is a former art teacher; she taught art at all levels for 30 years, including the university level. After her retirement, she devotes her time to painting. She is currently a working artist. Mary has been involved with many organizations over the years, both locally and internationally. Her philosophy centers on building community among diverse groups so everyone feels welcome and included. She believes art is a universal language that connects people through shared visual experiences and enjoyment. Mary especially values environments where artists and art come together to inspire community through connection, creativity, and meaningful experiences. Mary has shown her work in the DFW area, New York City, and Istanbul, Turkey. Mary’s latest publications are Artist Close Up #43 2026; World Art Guide 2027; Past publications: Art Tour International fall 2019, fall and summer 2021, summer 2022, upcoming 2027; Beyond Words Oct. March, and April 2022, August 2024. Mary’s heartfelt desire is to create connections with those who follow her artwork. Mary said, “I hope to create an emotional connection with the viewers and invite them to reflect on their own life’s experiences and emotions.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am a retired art teacher/professor pursuing my love for painting. I began my art journey after spending my senior year of high school in Zurich, Switzerland, where I attended the International School. I took art as an elective for the first time. This experience introduced me to painting and the art world in general. I seriously continued that journey as an Art Teacher. Traveling to NYC with students let me see great art that connected my interests across different art genres. Inspired by many artists, I painted as much as I could when I had time. When I went back to school for my Master’s degree, I developed my abstract style and began calling myself a neo-expressionist artist.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My artwork has always been about my life’s journey in abstract form. It draws on many influences, including nature, family, events, and my faith. Because I traveled and lived in different cultures, these experiences became a significant part of my journey. My work doesn’t focus on political and social issues as a dominant theme; however, they have influenced it from time to time.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My work tends to be more improvisational. I follow my heart and try to work in my home studio as often as possible. Some days I feel inspired to paint, and other days I take time to look longer at the artwork to see whether it’s finished or still in progress.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I usually don’t follow any particular art trends. I enjoy seeing what other artists do and following their journey. Their work and style influence me through their process, sometimes their words, and their original subjects and techniques. It’s always a delight to find artists who follow their own path.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I use standard materials: oil, acrylic, paint, or a combination of paints. I sometimes add collage or gold leaf to strengthen the composition, which, in my opinion, often completes the work. I use brushes, rubber mallets, palette knives, and, when I choose, my fingers. I usually paint on canvas, but paper and boards are other options.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My artwork carries different ideas; it’s always an expression from my soul. Sometimes I don’t know exactly what a work is about, but with time and contemplation, I can usually discern the subject. Because my artwork is expressive, it can be experimental at times and a blend of conscious and subconscious thought. Color is important, and I try to express emotional content through the colors I choose. All my artworks relate to my personal life experiences.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“I don’t know if I have a favorite artwork, but some of my work resonates more strongly with me than others. After returning from Istanbul, I completed an artwork that represented my experience at the Hagia Sophia. When I express a concept about my faith in my work, that painting holds a special place in my soul. This mixed-media artwork represents not only historical faith but also my personal beliefs.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“A few of my favorite places where I’ve had the opportunity to share my artwork have been in Istanbul, Turkey, where I had a solo show in the summer of 2004. The location was Taksim Square, in the Beyoglu district on the European side of Istanbul. The opening was such a special evening; meeting people from all over the world was an experience I will never forget. My art became the vehicle for bringing a community together, something that I’ll cherish for as long as I live. Another place was in NYC, in March 2019, with Art Tour International. I’ve enjoyed my relationship with Vivian Puello-Grimandi and other artists I met through this organization. I have been published in several issues of their magazines. I consider this international community a special group to connect with. I always enjoy my relationship with local galleries and organizations in the DFW area where I live. I'm currently showing my artwork at the House of Neville Gallery and Gatherings in Fort Worth.”
Website: maryemorganart.com
Instagram: @maryemorgabart
