Artist Spotlight - Mary E. Morgan — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

I was born in Texas and lived in Fort Worth for most of my pre-adult life. I would watch the daily sunsets across the prairie from my house, which continually inspired me. As a child, I would try to paint that sky. During my childhood, I took music lessons. However, I didn't have the opportunity to study art until my senior year in high school when my family moved to Switzerland, where I attended the International School of Zurich.

Deep Calls To Deep, 2024, oil on canvas, 121 x 134 cm

I was immediately fascinated with painting. After I graduated from high school, I attended a local community college upon my return to the US. I didn't take another art class until my junior year at Baylor University. Although I loved being in art classes, as I compared myself to the other students, I felt as if I was behind in my skills and knowledge, yet something inside of me wouldn't let me quit.

Angels All Around, 2024, oil with collage on canvas, 152 x 101 cm

I finally decided to major in physical education and minor in Art with a secondary teaching certificate. After I married the love of my life, I continued to show interest in Art but never had much time to continue my art education. We began our family, and we were both teaching full-time. As time passed, I tried to learn as much about teaching art when I substituted for an art teacher for 6 weeks.

Still Waters, 2024, oil with collage canvas on canvas, 121 x 96 cm

I researched as much as I could about teaching art as I would seek out other art teachers to help me develop the curriculum. That experience was a starting point and perhaps a turning point as I was challenged by the wide scope of information within the visual arts. I knew that I needed to learn so much more. Either I could give up or dig in.

Sitting In The Noonday Sun, 2022, oil on canvas, 101 x 152 cm

The years passed, and I eventually was able to teach in an excellent art department in Dallas, TX. While teaching full-time at this school, I had the opportunity to enter graduate school to obtain my master's degree at a local university. The more education I received, the greater my desire to paint increased, as it allowed for self-expression.

The Dividing Wall 1, 2024, oil on canvas, 91 x 60 cm

After I received my MA degree, I was the head of the upper school art department at another school in Dallas, but I always had a desire to teach college. I applied to teach as an adjunct professor at a local university. After a few years of teaching a few night classes, I retired as the head of my department in the upper school but continued as an adjunct for fourteen years at the University. After I retired in 2016, I finally had the freedom to paint every day, and that's exactly what I did.

The Dividing Wall 2, 2024, oil on canvas, 91 x 60 cm

Along the way, I had some great opportunities to grow my knowledge and existential art experience. Trips to NYC with students led me to explore the artists' work in person, which inspired me not only as an artist but also as a professor for my students. Going to Istanbul with my husband led me to explore the opportunity to study art history in a new and fascinating way.

Weeping Willow Tree, 2025, oil with collage on canvas, 96 x 127 cm

In the summer of 2004, I was invited to have a solo show in"Taksim," which is a part of the cultural district of the city. It was a marvelous experience. I enjoyed the opening evening as I met and greeted people from all over the world. What a wonderful privilege it was to experience another culture through this venue. Since then, my life has been filled with a variety of visual art opportunities near and far.

Green Pastures 2, 2025, oil with collage on canvas, 116 x 101 cm.

Fast forward to the present, and I am forever grateful for each new day as I wake up. What a wonderful privilege it is to be able to do what I love. I look forward to new opportunities and avenues of growth that allow me to share what resides deep in my soul.

Hope Lives, 2020, oil on canvas, 127 x 121 cm

Artist Statement

My artwork is about my life’s journey and the joy of self-expression through abstract form and color. The creative process that produces a product is the voice that reflects my soul, expressing many different facets of life’s experiences. The color and form of my expressive art are an enmeshment with internal and external world influence, a blending of subconscious and conscious thoughts.

Pilgrimage, 2020, oil on raw canvas, 121 x 198 cm

My work is influenced by nature and the emotions associated with the land’s natural beauty, family, events, and spiritual emphasis; it’s often a combination of these. Although my work has significant meaning for me, I want the viewer to connect emotionally and interpret according to their voice and vision.

Website: www.maryemorganart.com
Instagram: maryemorganart