Artifacts I (2012) Painting by Mary Vaux Hansen

Hello everyone! 

Busy, currently, creating bodies of new work and finishing some others, but, I have been taking longer than I hoped. I have many pieces that aren't posted here for various reasons - perhaps that will change in the next year.

I am an eclectic artist currently based in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Though I am experienced in traditional methods of artmaking, and continue to create traditionally as well, I thrive on experimenting with multiple processes and new materials. The results are varied and, I think, interesting. It is part of the joy of my work to do things in new and different ways, especially if I create something that is aesthetically pleasing, and/or meaningful.

The nomadic nature of my early childhood has influenced me in many ways, including my creative choices. I choose to test the notion that an artist must have a signature aesthetic or an all-encompassing narrative; instead, the adventure of diversity informs my work.

While earning my Fine Art degree, with a minor in Art History, my focus was painting and sculpture. However, from a young age I was trained in photography and later as a professional in the lighting design field. I have yet to fully utilize lighting in my artwork - something to look forward to!

Processes
I often combine multiple processes (photography, sketching, painting, sculpture) to present work that is uniquely my own. I like to experiment. A fairly common practice is for me to use photographs as references for work in other mediums. I sometimes borrow imagery from publicly accessible photos and use them as references in developing a theme, as many artists do, however, I don't copy the original. My own photography continues to be part of my creative process and began in middle school when my father gave me my first SLR camera. In high school and college I studied more, including developing and printing in a darkroom. I use both manual and digital cameras currently, and I am hoping to experiment more with video in future work.

While painting, my predisposition is to paint directly, without first sketching out my compositions. Recently, because I have begun working more with transparent paints, I am sometimes making basic line drawings before painting, or to establish spatial relationships in the piece. In addition, I accept occasional commissioned works that are planned around those parameters.

When sculpting, the form each piece takes is directly affected by the diverse materials and processes chosen at the time. Of course, my sculpture may also be built upon a particular theme.

No matter the medium, I strive for individuality in each piece. Experimentation with materials and style can be earmarks of my work. However, when building a body of work, a consistent conceptual or philosophical thread runs throughout.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary American Artists