Mary McFerran

May 5 - 31, 2021

Mary McFerran spent the solitude of 2020 earnestly working in her studio, creating numerous multimedia collages on a variety of subjects.  In the storefront windows viewers can see “Suburban Wildlife,” a collection of tapestries that reflect on the wildlife she found venturing into her own backyard.  The exhibition continues indoors with sketches and additional works on fabric.

MeFerran explains that the creation of these artworks comes from, “...spending more time in my backyard and local environment after the world was closed by the pandemic.   The slowing of our world emboldened local wildlife.  Foxes, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, raccoons, and chipmunks visited and were willing to be seen.  During this time when we noticed the natural world.  I hope this awareness increased our knowledge, respect and appreciation of the animals with which we coexist.” 

When describing her artist practice McFerran says, “Liberation survives in my studio.  I seek refuge in my work.  Especially during the pandemic.  I create and break my own rules, connecting and disconnecting fabric remnants and paper scraps.  Opposing colors, textures, and themes encourage tension - push and pull.  However, some sections coexist instead of merging.  I encourage elements to retain their own identity.  

“My quilts are not traditional, no 3-layer regimen.  Inspired by the work of Southern crafters who worked under economic restrictions, I select found scraps and tell stories.  Like theirs, my piecing and constructing is grid-like.  They were unschooled.  I resist my art school lessons, encouraging some pieces to “fall off” the picture plane.  I invite real life into my work and exaggerate the artifice of art.”