Textiles Artist and Photographer

Artist Statement

Being creative has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. In my early years, I worked a day job that provided steady work and a paycheck but could not nurture my creative side. I quit my job and enrolled in the fine arts program at Arizona State University. The knowledge and confidence I gained at school have helped me succeed in the arts for over four decades.

I loved working with fibers, so I pursued a career in the textile arts. I purchased a weaving loom and learned off-loom weaving as well. I designed a line of wall art I exhibited at art shows, galleries, and commercial installations across the United States. This is when photography entered my life. Film slides were essential for submitting applications to shows and were a necessity for marketing.

Home computers and the internet didn’t exist when I began my art journey. I acquired a 35mm Canon and spent time at the library learning about photography.

My love of travel and the outdoors provided another element for my photography skills. A camera became my constant companion. I now show my work at art exhibitions and sell it online.

Working in textiles, I soon realized that I needed colors of fibers that weren’t readily available. I learned the art of dyeing and developed my own. Dyes provided another element for my textile skills, leading to working with fabrics. My journey continues to evolve with the addition of different types of fibers and dye mediums, including acrylics, that behave like dye.

As a teacher, I encourage creativity, engage students in different styles, and enhance my students’ enthusiastic minds, as my art teachers guided and supported me.

For additional information, visit my websites at www.marygavanstudio.com and www.marygavan.com.