Introduction: Mary Pratt

Summary

Artist Mary Pratt reflects on her lifelong dedication to painting, beginning in her early childhood. She identifies as a realist painter, focusing on the beauty and everyday objects in her life. Pratt discusses the sacrifices she made for her art, including her physical health and social life, and her desire for viewers to see beyond the surface beauty of her work. She acknowledges the hardships of her artistic journey but remains committed to her craft, hoping her paintings will resonate with future generations.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Mary Pratt began painting at a very young age, possibly before the age of 5, and has been passionate about it ever since.
• 🖌️ She identifies as a realist painter and is content with this artistic style, focusing on the beauty and realism in her work.
• 🍎 Pratt is particularly interested in the everyday objects she uses and the life she constructs around her, which often become subjects in her paintings.
• 💡 She aims to create paintings that are not only beautiful but also evoke deeper feelings and thoughts in the viewer.
• 🔍 Pratt sometimes intentionally includes subtle details in her paintings to guide the viewer's attention and experience, like a chip in a glass to make the viewer feel as if they could bite into an apple.
• 🕒 She has dedicated her life to her art, working long hours and sacrificing social activities to perfect her craft.
• 🚶‍♀️ The dedication to her art has come at a personal cost, including physical health issues that have affected her mobility.
• 🏠 Pratt has mostly lived a solitary life, with few visitors and minimal social interaction, a sacrifice she made willingly for her art.
• 🌟 Despite the sacrifices, she believes in the importance of satisfying herself artistically, as she feels that is the only way to potentially reach and satisfy others.
• ❓ She acknowledges the uncertainty of her legacy, hoping that people will look at her paintings and find value in them.

Q & A

When did Mary Pratt begin painting?

Mary Pratt likely began painting at a very young age, possibly when she was about 5 or even before, as she attended a kindergarten that provided her with paints and crayons.

What is Mary Pratt's perspective on her life and her art?

Mary Pratt views her life as a self-portrait, with her paintings reflecting what she chooses to depict. She is interested in the things she does, uses, and has in her possession.

How does Mary Pratt describe her painting style?

Mary Pratt identifies herself as a realist painter and is happy with this style. She is concerned with the beauty of her paintings, wanting them to be more than just aesthetically pleasing.

What does Mary Pratt hope viewers will experience when looking at her paintings?

Mary Pratt hopes that viewers will find more than just beauty in her paintings. She orchestrates elements within her work, such as a chip in a glass, to engage the viewer's senses and imagination.

What sacrifices has Mary Pratt made for her art?

Mary Pratt has made significant sacrifices for her art, including working long hours, giving up social life, and experiencing physical pain and limitations due to her dedication to painting.

How does Mary Pratt feel about the physical demands of her painting process?

Mary Pratt acknowledges that her painting process is very hard and sacrificial, leading to a twisted spine and inability to walk, but she does not consider it a sacrifice because she believes it was worth it to develop her craft.

What does Mary Pratt think about the social aspects of her life due to her dedication to art?

Mary Pratt has a limited social life and few visitors, which she admits can be lonely, but she believes the sacrifices were necessary to dedicate time to her art.

How does Mary Pratt approach the concept of beauty in her work?

Mary Pratt worries about the beauty in her paintings, wanting them to be more than just visually appealing. She aims to create a deeper connection with the viewer beyond the surface level of beauty.

What is Mary Pratt's attitude towards the potential legacy of her work?

Mary Pratt is uncertain about the legacy of her work, acknowledging that it is out of her control. She focuses on satisfying herself with her art, hoping that it will also reach and satisfy others.

How does Mary Pratt view life in relation to her art?

Mary Pratt sees life as a violent affair and not a Primrose path. She suggests that her work may be shuffled off with her when she passes, and whether people will look at her paintings again is uncertain.

What is Mary Pratt's advice or philosophy regarding artistic satisfaction?

Mary Pratt emphasizes the importance of satisfying oneself with one's art as a prerequisite for satisfying others. She believes that if an artist is not satisfied with their own work, they cannot expect to satisfy an audience.