Short Bio

Mary Striegel, inspired by art history, blends impressionistic and realistic styles. She draws from masters like Van Gogh and contemporaries like Edgar Cano to create vibrant scenes.

Statement

As a retired conservation scientist and artist, I dedicated 29 years to the National Park Service, preserving art for future generations. With a foundation in both art and science, my work is a blend of creativity and precision. In retirement, I have returned to my artistic roots, engaging primarily in painting, drawing, and printmaking.

My work, centered on the theme "Beyond Memories," explores my origins and personal evolution, influenced by key individuals and ideas in my life. I am particularly captivated by figurative works that reveal the inner emotions and contemplations of their subjects. The interplay of color and light within a scene is a constant source of inspiration for me.

Biography

Mary Striegel, an evocative artist with roots in Louisville, Kentucky, first found her love for art in the Camp Taylor neighborhood, where she spent her formative years. From an early age, Striegel was drawn to the world of creativity, beginning her artistic journey as early as the second grade. Though she did not inherit an artistic lineage, her passion for art was undeniable and self-nurtured.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (Studio) from the University of Louisville in 1976, Mary initially pursued a different path, carving out an impressive career in art conservation and historic preservation. This unique professional background would later serve as a deeply enriching foundation for her artistic endeavors. It was during these years of meticulous preservation work that she began to see the interconnectedness of history, memory, and art, all of which permeate her current oeuvre.

Mary Striegel's artistic inspirations are deeply rooted in the seminal experiences of her generational cohorts. Her recent body of work focuses on iconic and symbolic events that have personally shaped her, a reflection of her astute observation of the world around her. Striegel is an inquisitive creator, constantly exploring and stretching her boundaries, with a fondness for experimenting with different media, particularly painting and printmaking.

Her work is a testament to intentionality, an artist who meticulously thinks through her compositions, drawing on her comprehensive education and rich life experiences. This cerebral approach to art-making, her expressive style, and her keen sense of color make her creations uniquely compelling. Notably, her series of monoprints using gel plates, especially the "Cotton Seed Plant" series, reveals the haunting beauty of industrial ruins and has been particularly rewarding for her.

Drawing inspiration from masters such as Diego Velázquez and contemporary artists Edgar Cano or James Michalopoulos, Mary Striegel has become a thinking person’s artist. Her association with the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery and the Shreveport Art Club reflects her deep engagement with the artistic community. Her works have been showcased in prestigious venues including the University of Louisville, Natchitoches Art Guild, Meadows Museum at Centenary College, Northwestern State University, and the Shreveport State Exhibit Museum.

Recognition has not been sparse for Striegel. In 1976, she was honored with a National Scholastic Art scholarship. Collectors, like Jerry L. Mayo, hold her works in high esteem, noting her technical skill and expressive form. Beyond her visual artistry, Mary is devoted to teaching others to create and delving into history, each subtly informing her artistic narrative.

Now retired from a career as a federal scientist, Mary Striegel embarks on her second career with ambitious goals to build a substantial body of work for one-person shows. Her art is a reflection of her values and beliefs, underscoring the significance of recalling and understanding history through modern lenses. For Striegel, art is monumental in its role, serving as a mirror to society, a mechanism for contemplation, and a catalyst for collective memory.