Color Drawings by Mary Day

Mary Day
Artist | Sculptor | Educator

Mary Day is a multimedia artist whose process-driven practice utilizes natural materials. Born in Medellin, Colombia and raised in Miami, Florida and the Caribbean she developed a sensibility shaped by abundant ocean, sky, and plant life. She comes from a multilingual family of artisans, whose curiosity and discipline instilled in her a lasting connection to hand making. She discovered at a young age the magic in drawing, building, and exploring materials, and subsequently earned a BA in Photography and Art History and MFA in Painting at Florida State University. Being an Art Instructor at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska deepened her appreciation of land, location, and community. In 2010 she received a Nebraska Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Grant. That same year she was one of 13 artists chosen to participate in Stored Potential, Omaha’s Public Emerging Terrain Group Silo Project on Interstate 80. Her work is included in the 2023-26 Art Evolved: Intertwined SAQA and National Basket Organization’s Museum traveling exhibition. She has participated in various artist residencies, most recently in 2024 at the Chateaux d’Orquevaux in Orquevaux, France. Mary Day currently lives and works in Naples, Florida.

 

Artist Statement

My artwork—both drawings and sculptural forms—is inspired by the behavior of material and its potential for expression. The cornerstone of my studio practice is exploring the interplay between imagination and tactile objects, nurturing a focused vision within a flexible mindset. This path provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of myself, others, and the interconnectedness of all things. I liken this zone to my meditation practice where I’m able to experience an encompassing awareness of wellbeing.


Approaching drawing as a ‘meditation with materials’ has opened a new direction in my studio practice. The drawings in this exhibition are driven by an exploration of gestural mark-making, each one beginning with gestural lines encompassing the whole page. The image evolves through a series of sequential moves, each mark responding to the marks which came before. The paper’s surface is activated through a repetitive mark-making and erasure process. The compositions evolve using crayon and color pencil, creating a contrast of light and dark values to develop form. Applying crayon and pencil to paper in this way is a soothing experience, allowing the drawn image to emerge. Each drawing evolves organically, beginning with addressing the entire page, establishing a harmonious flow, and concluding with delicate gestures.

The sculptural forms I create are a further interpretation of the drawings. Earlier explorations of vessel forms inspired me to learn a variety of traditional basket weaving techniques. I now integrate this skill set with traditional woodworking methods. These hybrids combine rattan reed with wood and can be perceived as drawings in space.

The experience at the Chateaux d’Orquevaux Residency in Orquevaux, France in May, 2024 provided a unique opportunity for growth and development. Facilitated by its founders, Ziggy Attias and Beulah van Rensburg, everyone in the group was encouraged to engage in their own metamorphosis. The multi-age nature of the group generated a dynamic energy. The daily discipline of making in this invigorating environment supported all types of creativity. It’s life affirming to see the harnessing of magic as demonstrated in this exhibition.