Meet Mary Morgan

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Morgan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary below.

Mary, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I learned to be effective and successful because I had wonderful parents who taught me to be myself and many teachers and mentors. Although it wasn’t until I was a mature adult that I became an artist, I learned much through being an art teacher. I was middle-aged when I went back to school to get my Master’s Degree and through that experience, I became a confident artist. Standing alone doesn’t bother me as much as it did when I was younger because life’s experiences provide avenues for growth and maturity.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I became a teacher primarily through the influence of my parents who were teachers. The process of marriage, having children, and adapting to being who I needed to be through those experiences wasn’t always easy. I never considered myself an artist for many years and it wasn’t because of the lack of interest as much as it was from the lack of time and opportunity to develop my aesthetic interest. After retirement, I had time to lease a studio space and began to work continuously to develop my painting and creative skills. Because my journey was unique, and I needed to find a style that spoke to my expressive nature, it took several years to figure out who I was as an artist. My professors through graduate school contributed greatly to developing my style as an abstract expressionist painter. The many trips I took with students to NYC where I viewed great works of abstract expressionist painters contributed to the affirmation of my choice. Viewing their works left an impression on me as I continued to work towards self-expression. The color-field paintings of Mark Rothko, Helen Frankenthaler, Willem De Kooning, and others made a deep impression not only because I was attracted to the colors in their art but also to the colors in nature. The content of my paintings varies with life’s experiences through the following influences: nature, family, events, and spiritual connections. Sometimes these subjects repeat and overlap throughout my portfolio.
I’m looking forward to teaching some local art classes and I recently joined ArtStore Fronts for my website to market my originals and prints.
I have found that marketing is difficult and it’s a constant struggle to find time to market and time to be an artist. My work has sold through different local avenues and I occasionally do commissions. I enjoy the social interaction of meeting with other local artists and their friendships.
My painting created along with my six grandchildren in 2019 will be a part of the Convergence Collaboration Exhibit at Art On Main Dallas, Tx.
September 4th-15th, 2024. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

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?

I learned a tremendous amount about artists and Art movements through my Art History classes. I recommend that beginners get some formal education.
Artist Chong Chu was teaching at Trinity Christian Academy when I was teaching there and he became my mentor through the graduate school years. I will always be grateful for other artists who helped develop my skills through their critiques. I would recommend that any artist young or old find other artists and build relationships with them.
As a teacher, I was privileged to continue my educational journey while I taught at Dallas Baptist University. I taught “Fine Art Survey”, “Painting” at all levels, and some special classes in Printmaking and Watercolor”. I never tired of going to the local museums every semester where I could learn alongside my students.
My best advice to beginning artists’ is to continue your art education at any reputable school. Go visit as many museums and art galleries as you can. Research the artists that you respect and admire by reading about their journey.
Keep your mind open to change and try new things when you get stuck. Never stop learning and find a community of artists you can dialog with. Don’t forget to research because we have many resources available.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My number one challenge is studio space. I’m using an upstairs bedroom and my garage when the weather permits. Because we are living on retirement, the budget to lease a studio isn’t always available. A challenge that requires a block of time is developing my marketing skills. To continue to sell artwork is important so that I can support myself as an artist and provide an avenue for revenue.
Although I am healthy, aging is an everyday occurrence, taking one day and one year at a time is important as I wisely use available resources. My family has always been a priority and I have found that this is still as important today as it has always been. I am happy to be able to travel and enjoy the grandchildren.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maryemorganart.com
• Instagram: http://www.maryemorganart
• Facebook: http:// www.Mary E Morgan Art. and Mary Morgan
• Linkedin: http://www.Mary Morgan