Meet Mary Harris

We were lucky to catch up with Mary Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mary , so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
Overcoming creativity blocks is crucial for me as a painter. I’ve discovered a few strategies that work wonders. Firstly, traveling to Europe and immersing myself in different cities and languages has been incredibly enriching. It fosters new environmental learning and sparks fresh ideas. Secondly, tidying up my workspace is a game changer. Clearing my room and making space for new inspiration gives me a refreshing perspective that reignites my creativity. And lastly, engaging in activities like hiking and spending time with seniors mentors has proven invaluable. Their wisdom and lifetime of experiences offer insightful perspectives and inspiration for navigating challenges from a well-lived perspective.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Continuing the legacy of artistic expression and amplifying the presence of underrepresented voices in American history through my paintings is deeply significant to me. My work focuses on creating historical art that captures the richness of culturally diverse environments.

In 2024, I hit the ground running with exciting endeavors. This year began with the successful ‘Our Black in Every Color’ exhibition, culminating on March 29th at the Andaz West Hollywood. Additionally, I had the privilege of live painting a dress at NYFW, powered by Art Heart Fashion.

Furthering my commitment to cultural engagement, I had the honor of speaking at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, for Black History Month 2024. There, I emphasized the importance of culturally relevant art and fostering connection within communities.

Moreover, I organized and curated the L.A. Black Art Auction in February 2024 at St. John’s Cathedral, Los Angeles, with the aim of bolstering support and financial sustainability for local Black community artists. Additionally, I curated a Black History Month seminar at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, focusing on the acquisition and appreciation of culturally diverse art. I would also like to take a moment to thank the people who helped me achieve these monumental events. I could not have accomplished all these things without the support of my friends and team: Forest McCoy III (Sponsor), Cary Zhang (Sales Associate), Josiah Jones of Valance Projects, Keema Givens Esq. of Skadden, Chris Rocket (Art Installer), Staci Grant (Assistant), and last but not least, all the artists who allowed me to showcase their work.

Lastly, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be offering art curation and mural services for businesses in Los Angeles. Whether it’s creating captivating art collections or bringing vibrant murals to life, I’m here to help businesses enhance their spaces with creativity and visual appeal.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful are resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward is crucial. There will inevitably be challenges and obstacles along the way, but resilience allows you to persevere and grow stronger from these experiences. To develop resilience, practice self-care, cultivate a positive mindset, and seek support from mentors or peers who can provide encouragement and guidance.

Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, being adaptable is essential for success. Embrace change, be open to new ideas and perspectives, and be willing to pivot when necessary. Develop your adaptability by stepping outside of your comfort zone, seeking diverse experiences, and being proactive in learning new skills or acquiring new knowledge relevant to your goals.

Continuous learning: Never stop learning and expanding your knowledge base. Stay curious, seek out opportunities for growth, and invest in your personal and professional development. Whether through formal education, online courses, workshops, or self-directed study, prioritize learning as a lifelong habit. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to think critically and creatively.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to embrace the process, stay persistent, and never underestimate the power of networking and building relationships. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Stay focused on your goals, but remain flexible and adaptable to navigate the twists and turns of your journey. Above all, believe in yourself and your abilities, and never stop striving for growth and improvement.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most valuable thing my parents did for me was staying together, which protected me, Rochelle, Chris, and Elizabeth. They taught me about God and required excellence from their children, even taking the TV out of the house when we were young. This forced me and my three siblings to learn trades in creativity and the businesses they ran.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographers: Main Photo – Mark Hammond at Hollywood Enchanted Nights 2023. Black Art Auction – Monique (Danielle Holloman) (MARY HARRIS TONY CONCEP, ARNAYA NEEDLEMAN, CHRIS ROCKET, DONALD WHITE JR., RICHARD MCKINLEY, CARY ZHANG) at St. John’s Cathedral. Hyatt Headquarters – Hyatt Black – Photographer Fred Brown. NYFW Powered by Art Heart Fashion – Photographer – Jesus Ayala , Model Tajiannah @helloTajjj.

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