Mary Everitt - Paintings

My art is about connection. In life stories, in loved or lost items, and in the moments that stretch between what we know and what we come to understand. The artistic process orients me through life, a reminder that it is progress not perfection that leads to the most valuable discoveries and the treasures that endure.

I grew up in Cambodia in the 90’s and 2000’s. Through that I became inspired and conflicted by the contrast of resilience that I recognized in the people and culture around me, and the multi-faceted impacts that people have on each other. I witnessed an evolution of Khmer culture over the last three decades, creativity and tenacity rising up from the ashes of the Khmer Rouge's devastating impact. My childhood and other years there taught me how vital the arts are to tell stories, rebuild connections and heal trauma.

Art is part of my spiritual practice. It’s where prayer makes sense to me, where I am met with compassion and the freedom to be still and to explore. Canvas is a sanctuary for me to question, contemplate, and be reminded that the Divine, a triune, as I know them to be, desire to meet me in playfulness, in discovery and in the liminal space in between.

They remind me that healing is a process, as is creation. The act of creating helps me remember my nature as a created and loved being. In the midst of this process, I can stand back, gain perspective, respond, and in a small way, feel that it is good and worthy of my care at every stage.  

I created this collection in 2021 and 2022. Each work reflects a different gift: physical, natural or relational that I have reflected on and sought to appreciate throughout the year.

My medium of choice is cold-wax medium, oil and acrylic paint. I work large and small, on canvas and wood.