Mari O'Brien
I am a painter, jewelry artist, and photographer who spent 25 years as an academic teaching French and English language and literature, comparative literature, and humanities—until I felt a calling to return to the art that inspired much of my youth. Prior to my rediscovery of art and design, I conducted research on, published studies about, and taught literature courses with an ecocritical focus, exploring how nature and literature interact. I continue to be inspired especially by the natural world. I zealously believe that Nature has many lessons to teach humans, if we will only listen to her voice. My art works are rendered mainly in watercolor, acrylic, pastel, collage, mixed media, and photography. As an artist, I produce both representational and non-representational / abstract work. While I often feel an irresistible compulsion to interpret the natural world and communicate the profound emotion Nature inspires in me, my work also explores the realms of the human subconscious, many of which emerge in my paintings. I am inspired by poets and poetry, and write poetry myself, so you will often find that my paintings reflect my love for poetry. I frequently enhance my photos digitally, filtering my subject matter through a visual artist’s lens, and I am passionate about the creative possibilities that technology provides. Both my art works and photography appear on my greeting cards, note cards, calendars, scarves, and other items. I greatly enjoy digital graphic design and produce holiday, greeting, and note cards featuring my digital collages and art work. My jewelry line—Chez Mimi ~ Bijoux faits à la main (Mimi’s Place ~ Hand Made Jewelry)— will transport you on a journey featuring my unique “funky feminine” necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and watches. My designs attest to my influence by both nature and the wider world and frequently include an element of whimsy. I use only the finest components in my pieces: sterling silver, copper, gold vermeil, gold-filled, lead-free pewter, and niobium findings and beads; Czech and hand-blown art-glass beads and components; Swarovski crystals; freshwater pearls; faillance (porcelain) beads, and semi-precious stones.
Shows and Awards 2011 Juried into the Red Butte Garden Mother's Day Jewelry Show 2011 Intermountain Society of Artists Spring Exhibition 2011 Juried into the Utah Watercolor Society's Spring Open Exhibition 2010 "An Evening of Holiday Bling"
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