"I bend the paint", this quote strikes me right. Being an intuitive painter, painting in an abstract expressionist style, what come through me onto the canvas is not rational or realistic but an expression of self and soul. Magically my paintings are images and manifestations of the compositions in my mind formulated by memories of my life experiences and the vast landscape. I feel fluid, spontaneous and energetic when I paint. I love the dance that occurs between myself and the painting. Structure and composition prevail, but energy and action drive the painting where one stroke of color calls for the the next. Hence, "I bend the paint."
MARY JAMES | Artist
Lives & Works in
San Antonio, TX
I believe that when a viewer connects with one of my expressive paintings we are meeting on a deeper more emotional level, perhaps one that isn't easily explained. Visual art is one of the means of non-verbal communication. It allows for establishing a multilevel connection between the artist and the art viewer. Where I left off with the painting is now where the viewer enters in, to derive their own meaning, emotion, memory or perhaps simply to enjoy. There is no confining image, only the playground of imagination and wonder.
"Miles Davis bends the notes. He doesn't play them. I bend the paint."
Williem de Kooning
Bio
Mary James has exhibited her work at Art Gallery Prudencia, San Antonio, St. James Place, San Antonio, the San Antonio Art League and Museum and various group shows across South Texas.
Mary graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Interior Design. She has worked as an Interior Designer for over 30 years both nationally and internationally. This career, working with the elements and principles of design, served as a good foundation for making art on a more intimate scale.
Studying Art History in college peaked Mary’s interest in art. Her interest and knowledge of art was broadened over the years of working with her clients’ acquired art collections. She also curated fine art collections for clients, working directly with artists, galleries and curators.
Mary has been a creator all of her life. She has taken art classes at Southwest School of Art from 2008 – 2019. She has also studied under many nationally and internationally acclaimed artists in workshops and intensive online studies.
Her individual works of art as well as commissioned paintings are in residential and commercial collections.