It's been a while since I posted on my blog, but I have been busy during my absence. You will see a new tab located above called Wes Anderson-Inspired Series, this is a series of images from Wes Anderson's film THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS. They are all made with ink, pen and watercolor. I also made a Tumblr account for my work, you may follow me here. Enjoy!

Artist's Statement

Hi everybody!  For my independent study of screen printing this summer, my teacher is encouraging me to write and try to figure out my goals as an artist.  I have a long way to go, but my first assignment was to write an artist's statement.  She gave me a list of questions to consider and I answered most of them in this, my artist's statement.  All feedback is appreciated.

As an artist, I am most influenced by music—George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Florence + the Machine and Regina Spektor are among my most influential musicians.  Songs tell a story, as the singer tells it, I see pictures in my head; the above-mentioned artists paint the most vivid images for me in my mind’s eye.  After I see the image, it becomes my mission to get it out into the world.  It seems people forget to use their imagination when they grow up, by letting my mind wander and imagine while I listen to music, I get into a childlike state of mind.  It is my hope that my art will inspire people to look up the song that inspired the piece and let their minds wander where the music takes them.

My process, from inception to creation, is quite lengthy: I start with quick sketches while listening to the song repeatedly, trying to solidify the picture in my head—colors, details, scale, etc.—then I sketch it more, over a time span of days, weeks, and months (months being the more frequent scenario).   Eventually, I start creating the actual piece, but there is a long simmering process in my mind, as long as it takes to be motivated.  My favorite medium is spray paint, gold especially, I use it anywhere I need a lot of color I spray paint; I also use watercolor, acrylics, charcoal, graphite and, now, silk screen.  Recently, I have been researching screen printers for inspiration, but before, I looked to Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas for inspiration.  Vibrant colors are my favorite, and vibrant colors are what they do best, and what I strive to create. 

Spring 2012

Hi!  I have created a page tab for my school projects from Spring 2012, it is linked to my Facebook Artist's page where you will be able to see all the process photos as well as the final piece!  This semester I learned and became addicted to silk screen printing, so that was my medium for the past semester.  :D  And there will be more to come this summer!  Keep checking back--I promise to post more often.  Cross my heart.

Winter Break Creations

It was my goal this winter break to make some hands-on, no computers, art pieces. The first week I worked, this broke girl needed to make some money! Yesterday and today I created.

To see the Work In Progress photos click to visit my Facebook page ---> Mary E. Byrd.

Here are the final pieces:

I'm satisfied. I hope you like them. :D

Between Two Lungs

First Gallery Showing

My dear devoted friend Beth Hofmann has started a new acting/art company! Acting Up Productions is run by her, her husband Robert and their friend Brian! They're going to have a Grand Gala Opening on Friday August 12th! You can see all the details and all they have to offer on their website!It's gonna be great! Check it out! LIKE it on Facebook !! Four Square it! They're everywhere!

Fun Accessory!

I finally figured out the Like Button thing on Facebook! SO now, to your right, you will see a facebook box for taking you directly to my Facebook Artist page! Yay! Technology!