I am a traveler. I love to travel. I’ve already visited 46 out of the 50
United States and I’ve hiked in most of those states. I always take my
camera with me, recording special places, faces, and times.
Back in my art studio I become a traveler in an artistic sense. Using my
photos and memory as a springboard, I try to capture those special moments
and my mood on paper. Many times, I find my artistic “journey” (the process
of creating) to be as exciting and fulfilling as my “destination” (a
finished painting or drawing). But ultimately my goal is to capture the
essence or spirit of my subject matter, whether it’s the captivating twinkle
in a toddler's eye, or the mysterious sacred solitude of a woodland chapel.
And even though my original reference point was in an actual place and time,
what I’m after in my artwork is a time-LESS quality, such that my viewer
will remark, “You know, that reminds me of a child (or chapel) I once saw.
I feel as though I’m there again.” I especially enjoy doing vacation or
portrait commissions for other people. I like the challenge of seeing if I
can recreate on paper what someone else has found inspiring.
Lastly, I’m on a spiritual journey. Through my artwork I try to visually
express some of the wondrous beauty of the natural order that I believe God
has placed in our world. Integrating my Christian faith with my artwork
remains the most challenging, but ultimately the most fulfilling part of my
journey.
As I stated in the beginning, I am a traveler. Won’t you join me on this
journey as you view my artwork?
Mary Ann Pals
