We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mary Spellings. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Mary, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I love animals. For the last 9 weeks I have been caring for my momma goldendoodle , Dolly, and her 12 beautiful babies.That may not sound like much,but it has been very time consuming.This experience has provided many laughs, lots of love ,and some hard work.Now, most of the pups have gone to new homes . My role has changed a bit as I try to teach the two that I have some important lessons to make them the best family members.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a visual artist. I have been painting for over 50 years.Oh My!. I love art! My favorite medium is watercolor. I like the fact that is quick, a little unpredictable and always inspiring.I love contrast. I love color. I enjoy capturing moments in time. My grandchildren, old weathered vehicles, nature are some of my favorite subjects. I love to use texture to tell the story of time etched on surfaces. I love entering competitions. I am blessed to have earned signature status in Tennessee Watercolor Society, Kentucky Watercolor Society, Watercolor Society of Alabama, Georgia Watercolor Society and Life membership in Southern Watercolor Society. In 2009, My friend ,who is a potter, and I founded a co-operative art gallery in Jackson Tennessee. We wanted local artists to have the opportunity to share their work with potential buyers and art lovers.Art in the Village has 27 artist members with paintings, photography, pottery, wood turnings, and jewelry .We are located right off Interstate 40 . The beautiful art in the gallery has been a blessing to many people from most states and all over the world. .God has provided for us to continue our business 16 years with no paid staff. We are working to strengthen our brand and target an audience of art lovers and supporters.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I think my relationship with my mom and dad shaped me the most. My mom and dad provided a wonderful environment for us to grow and thrive. I had 3 older brothers.Dad was raised in the country but when the kids started coming he moved to the city to work to provide for the family. Mom stayed at home and made a home for us all with little money. She would ration some things in order to make it to the next paycheck. Seems like Dad would go to Sears when the big shoe sale happened and compete with the ladies to get our one pair of shoes for the winter. We were barefoot all summer . Once in a while, dad would come home from work with a sack of Krystalburgers .We made lots of trips back to visit grandparents in the country. Dad had a little station wagon and we filled it up for those trips.My grandmother cooked on a wood stove. Her house always smelled yummy. She gave us goodies from the farm to take home every trip.My family was very loving and nurturing. They showed by example how to work, be kind to our neighbors, and love others.I was always protected and loved.The example they set shaped my life.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
There is an old saying”sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me”. That is a powerful lie! Many years ago when I first started trying to show my work. I set up a booth at a regional art fair to try and sell some work.Next to me in another booth was an older artist with the most fabulous watercolors. He was my hero and such an inspiration to me. This show was judged. As I was talking to him between our booth spaces, the judge, who I knew by name, came into my booth and looked at my art, then she walked out to us and said to us , ” Mary needs to take my class so she can understand perspective and won’t make mistakes like in that painting.” I was so embarrassed. She humiliated me in front of this artist friend.I thought to myself, that is it, I will never paint again!Those words did hurt. It was very hard for me to keep on working.Little by little I dug back into my routine, studied and continued making art. Lesson learned, Words are powerful, choose them wisely.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I am a believer. I believe that God created the heavens and earth and set the universe into motion. I believe that God created man and gifted man with a free will to make choices.Man doesn’t always make the best choices. I believe that God sent his only son into the world to save mankind. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for us.He gave his life that we might have eternal life.On the third day he was raised from the dead and lives today.I serve a risen Savior. He provides guidance for me daily through his Holy Spirit. His word , the Bible provides daily wisdom to live by.I am a Christ follower. I cannot compromise my Christian beliefs.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I am the most at peace when I am saturated in nature. That could be several different experiences for me. I remember specifically one morning sunrise. I had hiked to the top of Mt Leconte, spent the night, and got up early to see the sunrise. I hiked the half mile in the dark to the look out point. As it was breaking day the top of the mountains were visible, but the valleys were covered with heavy clouds.Slowly the big sun came up and the sky was bursting with orange tones but the clouds covered the mountain valleys so beautifully like cotton. I felt like the Lord was showing me his handiwork. My personal blessing. It was a perfect spiritual experience where I felt the presence and peace of God through his creation.
Contact Info:
- Website: mary P Spellings
- Other: Artists in the village.com
Image Credits
These photos are mine
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
