Mary Kay Neumann

Artist Statement

Watercolor allows me to capture the wildness and sensuality of the natural world. I visualize nature as monoliths of color, emotion and energy. Using vibrant color as my language, I allow the pigment and water to explode across the page combining with the paper to form my imagery. Wet into wet watercolor requires being both in and out of control with the medium at the same time, an essential component to the nature of my work.

In my paintings, I explore the edges of abstraction and realism. My intent is to convey to the viewer the joyfulness I experience while painting. The artists that influence me are Van Gogh, The German Expressionists, Emile Nolde, Gabrielle Munter, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Emily Carr and Georgia O'Keefe.

Tidepool Series: The works from this series are my emotional response to Northern California's rugged coast where I visit each spring to paint. Tidepools that seem so fragile thrive in this harsh and violent environment. They appear as brilliant underwater flower gardens, teeming with abundant life. I am inspired at the the delicacies and stark contrasts of the ocean environments of brutal sea meeting the shore. My intention is to communicate the excitement and awe I feel about them in this tidepool- inspired series.

Sunflower Series: I follow in the tradition of other expressionist painters who have been intrigued by the many personalities of the sunflower. For me these flowers exhibit individual emotional traits more akin to people than plants. I view sunflowers as a reflection of the human experience.

Art and Social Change: Throughout history, art has chronicled the dramatic changes in the world. I believe that art has an unlimited power to heal and can be a powerful agent of social change. I link 10% of sales of my work to various non-profits. In this way, for me, art supports activism.

Bio

Mary Kay Neumann was born in Charlevoix, Michigan in 1955. A self taught artist, she is also a licensed psychotherapist. In 1988, she founded a feminist therapy clinic for women. She lives and works as an artist and psychotherapist in Madison, Wisconsin.

Art making sustains her in her professional life as a clinician working with trauma survivors. Daily she is moved by the courage she witnesses with her clients, and through her art, she seeks to express that inspiration. She first began exhibiting her work in 2005, and maintains an active exhibition schedule.

Resume

2007	"Sunflowers and Orther Dreams" Pilatespa Studio, Madison, WI (Solo)
2007	"Small Rays of Hope" Rhonda Schaller Studio, New York, NY
2007	"Crossroads" Rhonda Schaller Studio, New York, NY
2007	INTERSECTIONALITIES: The Feminist in Art" The Pyle Center, UW-Madison
2007	"Gardens on Paper II", Pilatespa Studio, Madison, WI (Solo)
2006	“Gardens on Paper", Gardens Gallery, Madison, WI (Solo)
2006	"Peaches En Regalia", Sculptures Studio, Madison, WI (Two Person Show)
2006	Folk Art Gallery, Garberville, CA (Solo)
2006	The Cove, Shelter Cove, CA (Solo)
2005	Pilatespa Studio, Madison, Wisconsin (Two Person Show)

Collectors:

Mary Kay's paintings are held in many private collections throughout the Midwest, California and New York City.

Education:

Private instruction, Helen Klebesadel Studio, 2004-2006
Private instruction, Patricia Keller Studio, 2002-2003
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI MSSW, 1984
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI BS, 1982