Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Salazar-Felty.
Hi Mary, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you for the opportunity! I am a visual artist and love to paint abstract art and it expands into impressionistic painting as well. I was exposed to the arts at a very young age. When I was in elementary school, I was chosen to attend a few field trips that included museums and an Opera show. I was in awe, and I never forgot the impression the arts left me with. I dabbled with crafts and painting when my children were small. However, I did not start painting consistently until I was in my 30s. I found myself newly divorced and on a tight budget. I painted on canvas for myself and on furniture when trying to fill my first small apartment as a single woman. I did this right in the middle of all the DIY revolution. Right before I re-married I sold all my furniture to start anew and quickly realized how painted furniture did well in the marketplace. It did so well that I continued painting furniture for the next four or five years as a hobby. I got really familiar and comfortable with paint, mixing colors, highlighting, glazing, etc, I would say that I was really good at it. It was when my grandbaby was born that I stopped painting furniture. I naturally transferred my creative efforts onto canvas and I never looked back. I am passionate about abstract artwork and how it encourages involvement and imagination, and evokes an emotional response.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As it is for most women I have had to adapt and improvise along with the needs of my growing family and our family business. There is a flow to life that sometimes restricts the time I have to paint but it just enhances my passion and creativity so that when I get back to the canvas the creativity just flows! I have found that the forces above grants me this talent.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Visual Artist, I concentrate on figures such as people, faces, animals, and abstract art. I take the subject and paint it abstract so that there’s a touch of whimsy and fun. I want people to look at my art and be evoked by emotion. I’m most proud that my love for art has had a positive influenced on my granddaughters. They love it just as much or more! So be looking out for them! What sets me apart from others is that I am an encourager. My mamma is a HUGE encourager, everywhere she goes she enhances the life of others in some way through encouragement. She is my number one fan! When people look at my artwork and say that they wish they could paint like me, I always them know that they can!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck…although I do find myself lucky but rather use the word blessed. I only aspire to imitate the most amazing and greatest artist and creator in the world and that is my Father God. “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” – James 1:17
And the quote that pushed me to reach for excellence is by Jordan Peterson, “Work as hard as you possibly can on at least one thing and see what happens.”
Contact Info:
- Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/maryfeltyartwork/?etsrc=sdt&load_webview=1&bid=hTNb0gPFzFL8FcNP7T9lrNmZKRJO
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maryfeltyartwork
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/maryfeltyartwork
