Meet Mary Singleton

Mary Singleton is an artist living and working in New Orleans. She is known for her bright, Fauvist-influenced, floral and botanical abstractions. Drawing her inspiration from both the tropical Flora of New Orleans, everyday lives and images collected along the way. Her inspiration is rooted in nature and aims to transport the viewer to an unknown yet familiar place. A place filled with fluid marks, dancing the line between masculine and feminine, life and decay, where they can experience nature rather than witness it depicted it realistically.

While at LSU she received the nomination to attend Yale Norfolk and the Baton Rouge Art League’s annual scholarship. After graduating she became an Artist in Residence with The Manship Theatre at the Shaw Center for the Arts. She has also worked with the other area organizations including The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

Currently, Mary teaches weekly at Saint James Place Retirement Community as their resident art instructor engaging the residents in art’s therapeutic properties. She also currently works with the Walls Project as a site manager and artist on community murals. She spends her time painting in her studio, collecting plants and spending time with those dearest to her.

Mary received a BFA from Louisiana State University. She’s worked with several small businesses to incorporate a handmade feel into their design and branding, including Saint Claude Social Club in New Orleans.

More Information:

I am new to the life of a professional artist. I have always had an interest in creating things from a very young age. I never pursued it professionally until moving to New Orleans two years ago. Within the first few months of living here, I witnessed many artists making a career for themselves. I saw how this city supports them. I thought, “If not now, when.” I decided to try. What did I have to lose? Two years ago, I absolutely never thought I’d be answering interview questions about my life as an artist. I’m grateful for this journey and all the twists and turns it has taken. I’m sitting in my studio, paint on the floor, canvases lining the walls, dog in my lap, fresh coffee, and couldn’t be happier that this is my job.

Has it been a smooth road?
Oh no. It’s a difficult road to put your ideas and thoughts out into the world for others to see. It’s a vulnerable process.

In my twenties I had the head of an art department tell me, “You clearly have a good eye. Maybe you will be a collector. You do not have what it takes to be an artist, though.” How could anyone responsible for teaching a young adult say such a thing? It’s irresponsible. I didn’t paint or draw for two years after that. Nevertheless, you cannot silence a creative voice. It will always find a way. Mine slowly came back to me. It built momentum over the years.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a professional artist. I specialize in large scale botanical abstractions. I’ve also worked with several designers on commercial branding and interior design projects.

What sets me apart? COLOR! I’m not afraid of color at all! It adds too much to your space! Life is too short for beige.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! Dallas is overflowing with fantastic designers and galleries. I’m happy to begin showing with Bee Street Gallery this summer.