Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Frances Hershiser.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always been creative and artistic but didn’t study art in school or college. I always loved fashion, writing, music, decorating for myself and others. For me, art was a bit like waking up one day and deciding to run away and join the circus! Through much trial, error, google searching and a couple of workshops, an artist began to emerge. I never planned to sell, only paint for myself. But that all changed when the owner of a frame shop which also carried very good art, asked me to bring some of mine in. And it sold!! I next joined The Fairhope Artist Gallery, Fairhope, AL and now have representation in NC, SC, AL & FL. I’ve never lost that feeling of wonder that selling a painting or creating a commission brings. And never will!
Never one to stick to a single technique or subject, I love exploring new things and constant learning. Often, I draw inspiration from gulf coast colors and scenes. At other times, I have no object in mind when I paint, just a palette of colors I know I want to use. Not knowing the rules, I get to break them, creating on my own terms and having a great time.
Please tell us about your art.
A description of my work would read, “Art Party: colorful, quirky, abstract, fun and lively. Also, I do coastal inspired scenes, landscapes and abstracts from life lived along the gulf coast. Abstracts are often very bold, popping with color and done in an abstract expressionist, non-objective style, while my landscapes and seascapes are in softer palettes and more impressionistic. Occasionally, I do a bird’s nest or a floral.
Most often, my medium of choice is acrylics, adding texturizing gel mediums to the paint. I also use oil sticks and charcoal for Mark making and adding definition and pops of color. Metal leaf is sometimes added to a piece and a resin coating may be used on minimalist abstracts to give them an extra dimension. I hope people who view my art feel uplifted in some way. My Art should evoke happy feelings, nostalgia of places visited or peacefulness via palette.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Artists are often called upon to support local charities by donating work for silent auctions. This is something I truly believe in doing and in giving back in this manner. I prefer local events and charities for this and am always one to support animal rescue efforts and events. Artists should lead in giving back and inspiring others to do so. We should also lead future generations to believe in the self and their art through support of our local arts.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
One Accord Market, Sumter, SC
Chosen Women’s Apparrel & Fine Art, Charlotte, NC
The Frame Corner, Daphne, AL
The Fairhope Artist Gallery, Fairhope, AL
Amber Ivey Fine Art, Mobile, AL
East End Gallery, 30a, Inlet Beach, FL
Contact Info:
- Phone: 251-243-5789
- Email: mfhershiser@gmail.com
- Instagram: @maryfranart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryfranceshershiserart/
Image Credit:
Mary Frances Hershiser
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