Mary Duvall, MA, MSW

 

Meditation, yoga and walking are activities which have enriched me though out my life.  My family has been the center of my life--husband, adult children and grands, my late parents and brother, and, my family of companion animals, Hanuman, my goofy but very polite German Shorthaired Pointer, Uncle Wiggley , my husband's elk chasing Chihuahua, and our two cats, Bobbie the Wild and Benny the Large.  I am very concerned about the health of the planet, the conservation of resources, habitat, and wildlife, so I support ecological and environmental groups.  My property is certified as a natural habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. I have planted over 400 trees on my land.

 

My art work is an extension of all my experiences and interests.  It externalizes an on going exploration of my inner world, and my desire to connect inner states with the outer environment.  Art is an act of meditative intensity in the service of love and harmony for me.  I am always developing new skills, exploring new ideas---

 

Painting and drawing, appreciation of art, music and the humanities has been part of my life since early childhood.  I began works in oils as a teen and continued independently and intermittently as family and full time employment made great demands..  I picked up studio art classes here and there as time permitted.  I took courses in jewelry making, painting, drawing, watercolor, photography and pottery, many at Marylhurst College, but some at PSU, Oregon School of Arts and Crafts, Clackamas Community College and community education.  I incorporated art activities with my children who continue to pursue their own artistic endeavors as adults.

My life long fascination with images manifested in my studies in humanities and literature which led to my first career as an English Teacher. As well, images played a role in my second career as a counselor and private practice Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and my final employment as a Hospice Social Worker.  Jungian Psychology with its emphasis on symbolism, images and archetypes formed a framework for my working careers and underlies my relationship with art.