There’s still time to catch Mary King’s latest exhibition at Gallery 44 on High Street, Ventnor.
The Ventnor-based artist, opened her exhibition last Sunday and will be exhibiting Friday 19th September, Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
From self-taught to formal training
Mary describes herself as largely self-taught until 2022, when she enrolled in the Portfolio Course at Quay Arts in Newport.
She has since expanded her artistic education through online courses with Nick Martin and Judy Woods.
The artist has also participated in workshops with renowned instructors including Marius von Brasch in 2023 and Aldebo Marz in 2024.
Her studies with Judy Woods continue through 2024-25, including an intensive week-long course in Tuscany, Italy this past May.
Process over product philosophy
Mary works with mixed media on heavyweight paper and canvas, incorporating collage, skins, washes, inks and both wet and dry materials.
The artist emphasises process over final results in her creative approach.
She focuses on layering, experimenting, and releasing attachment to specific outcomes – a philosophy influenced by her mentors and personal artistic development.
Accessing the subconscious mind
Mary explains her inspiration,
“I’m inspired to discover my own visual language and the process and journey that it takes me on, not knowing the solution and forging ahead to what visually excites me.”
She describes her unique creative process,
“The veil between waking life and the dream state is very fine for me and I access my subconscious to bring my pieces to life.”
The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience Mary’s distinctive approach to mixed media art and her exploration of subconscious creativity.
