An Inspired Chat with Mary Pratt of Lawrenceville

We recently had the chance to connect with Mary Pratt and have shared 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? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
The Greek zigzag pattern,( the meandering pattern), was used in the construct of towns and roads in Greece The narrow roads traversed making invaders a little less able to attack and conquer, while the people defended their territory. The word meander has gradually morphed to mean wandering. Today I meander to those projects that bring a sense of fulfillment as wisdom finds my wandering.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Daily I paint in studio; occasionally my easel travels to plein air destinations where I conquer vistas on canvas. Mostly ideas float from the collective consciousness to my open mind where I sort through how to express the ideas using color as a vehicle. I love painting on large canvas and walls. Currently my imagination is turning to figurative and patterned work, juxtaposing these elements within one space. I’ve joined The City Of Atlanta mural pool after completing rigorous requirements for admittance. I await all possibilities there.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
People pleasing, ( not to be confused with client pleasing), I will not shrink to satisfy that which does not serve the highest good. Age, experience, and courage convinces me to rise above the fray.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
1997 found me recovering from breast cancer. As The Universe is known to do in my life to alleviate stress, commissions slowed, sales teetered, and I was thinking I could not do this( art) anymore! After much discussion with friends,I was convinced it was time to get a “real job”. That night I arrived home and gathered my mail to sort through. This was before the internet and cell phones. I had received a letter from Hansen Gallery in Knoxville, Tennessee asking if I was interested in exhibiting with them. My work sold well there for years. I came to believe, during challenging times, it is important to focus on past achievements and reinvent myself using the wisdom that always finds me.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Leaning towards a humanistic, universal cultural value, ( not perfection), I defend a belief system where personal virtue isn’t just about being good to others, but also about defending goodness even when it’s difficult. It’s the kind of cultural value system that says, care deeply, love fully, and stand bravely.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Lately I’ve imagined what it would be like to sell everything, lighten my load, jump in my car, ( I’ll keep the car and cell phone to satisfy logistics), and drive the roads of destiny without care, fear, or predetermined destination. As in Yin, there’s a sense of fear in this idea; the yang shouts freedom, which could be exhilarating. What remains is my higher self parlaying the journey. Peace. Relief from the mental load of stuff, clarity about what actually matters, and flexibility to wherever, whenever.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @maryvirginiapratt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marypratt