Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer

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13915 - 108 Avenue N.W. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5M 2C9 

Artist Statement

My work is very personal. It is often inspired by my dreams. It is always done in an effort to understand myself more deeply and completely. I enjoy the practice of being an artist. It is both routine and spiritual. I ground myself in the discipline, yet I feel connected to something greater.

I approach my work in an improvisational style, attempting to be responsive, playful and “in the moment.” In this way I don’t take my work or myself too seriously. I notice that when I don’t try so hard, I am more apt to find the place where creativity flows.

I am interested in how play and the creative process can be used to enhance personal growth and healing. I believe my artwork was pivotal in my recovery from breast cancer. As a creativity coach and teacher I now help others to learn ways to take themselves more lightly and use their creativity to heal themselves.

Starglyph
 34 x 39" - © 2002 - $1,095.00

I often work with circles, a shape that is pleasing to my eye and filled with meaning for me. This piece speaks to me of the beauty I have found in my personal journey. The stamped labyrinths were given to me by Noreen Crone Findlay. I began this piece in a class with David Walker.

Techniques - hand dyed cotton, lame, taffeta, stamped labyrinths, yarn, metallic, rayon and sliver threads. Reverse appliqué, appliqué, and quilting .

 

Shifting
 20" x 24" - © 2002 - NFS

There is beauty in movement. My feelings about this piece shifted as I worked on it. It became a labyrinth. I felt a new energy move throughout my body as I worked on it.

Techniques - cotton, acrylic paint, fusible web, decorative threads. Painting on fusible web, machine appliqué and quilting.
 

See the Beauty
 20" x 24" - © 2002 - NFS

Seeing true beauty is a skill that can be developed simply by opening our eyes and our hearts. This piece now resides at The Bridgepoint Centre.

Techniques - cotton, metallic and rayon threads. Handwritten text, reverse appliqué and quilting .

 

Wheel of Fortune
 36" x 29" - © 1998 - $1,125.00

I am drawn to wheel images. They imply power and movement. When I found this quote in my symbol book, I knew I had found a perfect title for this piece: The Wheel of Fortune revolves relentlessly and unceasingly.

Techniques - cotton, metallic and rayon threads, cording. Machine piecing, raw edge appliqué, cording, machine quilting.