by Jo Barnes | photos by Amanda Cribdon Photography –
When Mary FitzZaland says: “I have been colouring children all my life,” one might be puzzled by her comment. The explanation, though, is found in her life and creative pursuit of art.
The local Sidney artist, who presents her exhibit “Curvaceous Art” from July 15 to 21 at ArtSea Gallery in Tulista Park at 9565 Fifth Street, was for many years a special needs teacher and a foster parent. Art played an integral part in both of these journeys.
“My husband and I have been non-stop caregivers. We fostered 27 children over an eight-year period, all under the age of five,” shares Mary.
“I’ve been colouring them with bright colours and things that they need. It’s all about enjoying being in the present,” she adds, using an artist’s language to describe the support and enrichment she has provided to these children.
Mary, and husband Richard, raised their children in a home where artistic activity was not only enjoyed, but integral to their lifestyle.
“When the children were growing up in the home, doing art was encouraged. They would make toys, decorate their classroom, or create a haunted house at Halloween time,” Mary fondly recalls.
As a result, Mary and Richard’s oldest children have all gone on to be talented artists in their own right. She has one son who is a toy designer, another who does collage painting, and a daughter who is a photographer.
Mary learned early in life the value of art and the power and enjoyment of creativity.
“My mom was a pianist and was an incredible designer in the way she presented our home with colours and flowers. My mother’s twin was also an accomplished artist,” she comments. “And, as a girl, I had a little studio in the basement and my own easel where I would draw.”
As both a parent and foster parent, life was demanding and also rewarding. Day-to-day dealings with young children meant learning how to handle challenges and providing consistent support.
“I realized with these little people that I can’t do anything about their past,” remarks Mary, recalling her many years as a foster parent. “But I can be here in the present.”
For Mary, art also provided an outlet for her own self expression.
“After I tucked the children into bed, I did my pen and ink work,” shares Mary. “I would spend 7:30 p.m. to midnight drawing and painting at my table.”
Any opportunity to process inner thoughts and feelings was helpful, and Mary found art to be very therapeutic.
“My drawings were the abstract form with lots of lines, colours, and dimensions,” comments Mary. “They were tight drawings, sometimes even dark, as I dealt with the complexity and complications of these children.”
Art was also especially beneficial for the foster children.
“When working with special needs children, art is a big part of it,” remarks Mary. “Getting tactile and drawing is a way for them to express themselves.”
Now that the children have grown, Mary continues to explore creativity in all its forms.
“I’m doing more pen and ink and also learning about fused glass, acrylic painting and pottery,” she says, adding with a big grin: “I’m running after all the experiences I can get!”
Mary uses the medium of pen and ink enhanced with watercolour.
“I love the colours and fluidity of watercolour,” she comments.
Each creation takes time to structure and embellish. “I spend four to five hours a day on each piece, and they take two to three weeks to do,” says Mary. “I can spend weeks on the lines and just deciding how they should go.”
Many of the works have content taken from elements of nature. “My work is abstract, full of fantasy. I couple colour and movement,” states Mary. “My favourite subject is flowers.”
Mary’s art is detailed, colourful and often full of motion. For her, the art process is like that of her children’s development. Both begin with an empty canvas that is filled with the colours and experiences of life. “We are all blank sheets until people help fill up the blank sheet,” shares Mary.
For all of us, no matter who we are, both life and art begin with potential and the chance to create and express something important. In Mary’s case, the colours of her experience are dynamically displayed and speak to others as they view her artwork.
Mary’s exhibit at the ArtSea Gallery in July is an opportunity to showcase to the community her art which reflects her life experiences. For details about her work and sales inquiries, visit www.maryfitzzaland.com.
