John M Bradley - Artist
"I am reminded of an experience that I had with my mother when I was younger: We were touring a Washington DC gallery, The Hirshhorn Museum, which had a wonderful collection of contemporary art. My mom had never been into modern art and viewed most of the collections with disdain.
We stepped into an open room that had a large sheet of plywood on the wall. My mother made a rather disparaging remark about calling a sheet of plywood, art. Then I pointed out to her that it was a painting, that was so skillfully executed, you could only tell it wasn't plywood if you viewed it close enough to see the brush strokes. It even had painted water stains and the plywood grade stamps painted to look faded and mis-stamped. She still didn't appreciate it, but it shut her up for a second when she recognized the level of exactness.
I think the thing that distinguishes your work is the use of color. You're not just painting yellow pine veneers in an ultra-realistic way. You're painting wood that's been embedded with emotion that allows people to react on a different level. I don't look at your work and think "oh, it's been done", because the feeling that is generated isn't the same. The conceptual approach is unique."
Steve Cox - Artist
"I've known Mary for 35 years and in that time she has been a professional strength potter, painter, writer and designer. She is a first-rate, highly original artist, compulsive in the very best sense, and as her recent outlandish wood grain paintings attest, fiercely determined and creative."
Mary Jarvis - Critic
These paintings are well done. They vary in all possible ways. I'm trying to reach some conclusion and so each day, each hour things change - the thickness of a line, size of brush, medium, air temp, any shortcuts (there aren't any).. should I paint the sides. Real collectors want to examine the sides - anyway that's my excuse for not doing the sides. I think about the sides. I'm wanting to stain them a bit w/o covering the evidence of what takes place on the sides. No frosting.
Michele Anna Jordan - Author, Columnist, Radio Show Host
"Her intuitive sense of image and design is highly developed. Her work is gorgeous and compelling. Authentic, exquisite are words that come to mind. She is a pleasure to deal with and I will engage her services any time I have need for artwork of any kind. She is an absolute treasure and her integrity is unassailable."
Rhoann Ponseti - Art Collector
"Mary's work never ceases to amaze me. Her versatility - from cutting edge to classic, from pointillism to mondo modern - is unsurpassed and astounding."
Ginny Agnew - Austin Lawyer, Political Activist and Poet
"I acquired my first piece of art from Mary back in the early 1970's. Just this week
I was enjoying it and thinking of the remarkable gifts she has as an artist. Mary
has an eye unlike others and transforms the way the rest of us can see the world.
She is a treasure!"
John Annesley - Owner, John Annesley Company
“Mary is an extraordinary artist, with a unique world view which she is very capable
of sharing with a wide variety of art lovers.
We love Mary's commitment to her art,
we are all winners because of it.”
Lisa Beernsten - Artist
"Gotta say, I was seeing a sideways O'Keefe"
Candy Birch - Fashion Merchandising
Barbara Bourne - Owner, Barbara Bourne Photography
“Mary is an amazing artist, treasured client and friend. Her work is exciting and
unique. I can't wait to see the new work!"
Tod Brilliant - Writer
"Gorgeous work and congratulations!"
Donald Buck - Seminarian, Writer
“Mary brings a dedicated integrity to her paintings that speaks from the canvas with
passionate spirituality. Her wood grain designs are born out of extended solitude in
the forest cathedrals of northern California where nature speaks to her heart and from
her heart onto the canvas. Mary is one of those rare artists who tranfer the majestic
wonder of creation onto a canvas.”
Elisabeth Buck - Fashion Designer
"Mary, you are an incredible woman, had no idea what a talented artist you are....
Someday when you become world renowned I will be able to say I knew her when.....
Congrats on the sale.. WOW !! U R amazing, so very AMAZING !!!"
Helen Bulwik - Founder, President of Pacific Art Group
"Mary is a gifted and innovative artist. At Pacific Art Group, we found her work to
be unique and without comparison. Her wood series painted on canvas in vibrant
reds was simply exceptional. She is also a joy to work with."
Tramaine de Senna - Artist
Rick Dean - Executive Director, Face to Face Sonoma County AIDS Network
"Amazing painting!! Thank you for sharing it. Gorgeous"
Suzanne Edminster - Artist, Educator
"hypnotic...en-trancing "
Dominique Egan - Photographer, Videographer
"The creative process is lived with, worked with, and refreshed anew every time the
artist approaches their canvas, camera, script or block of marble. The paintings and
approach of Mary Jarvis are a testament to that daily encounter. A dedicated artist
with an eye for detail, her work is richly sublime. Inspired work that continually gives."
Mary Anne Evju - Art Collector, M.T. Evju & Assoc.
"During the course of our friendship over these past twenty years I have become
accustomed to the jaw dropping experience of watching you create your
next "period"....from pointillism to wood grain. I have been transfixed and filled
with wonder....where do you pull this from? You have always received such positive
feedback and I marvel at how humble you have remained....you seem surprised and
grateful for the support friends give you and that in itself is heart rendering for all
around you. Sorry to be so mushy."
Kenn Ferro - SF Academy of Film
“...I enjoyed your work very much.”
Eliot Fintushel - Dramatic Artist, Author
"Great show, Mary. Seeing the sweep of your work, I understand it and feel it a kajillion
times more. Wonderful concentration of artistic effort to beautiful effect. Thank you!”
Brad Fox - Educational Consultant at Fox and Associates
"Mary's creative work is surprising and moving in the multiplicity of forms it takes. She
must receive inspiration from several muses to create the beautiful art she does in
these differing styles. Mary also has a devilish sense of humor. The more you know, the
more you want to know."
G Kim Franz - Artist
"Beautiful... oil... acrylic?" ♥
Neva Freeman - Neva B. Interior Design
"I did look at your website and your work is magnificent. I do hope to see it in person."
Pat Graniel - Fan
“Wonderful art. Your art reminds me of the beauty of inside our forests. That's just
my thoughts and how I love it.”
Lizbeth Hamlin - Psychotherapist/Creative Consultant
"Mary is a recent friend who I have delighted in getting to know... Her art is stunningly
mysterious and draws me into her ability for refinement, image, landscape (meaning
the inner one) and wonder. I look forward to anything she does with curiosity. As an
artist, she is a 'cut above' as her visionary capacity exceeds my simple view....it pulls me
in and I leave her portals, altered."
Cassandra Hess - Artist
“Mary I had to private message this because I don't know how you feel about me
gushing out in public. You are such a beautiful woman! I'm glad my yoga/art connection
with you is growing. If I had any extra money, I know I would buy the painting on the
far right as you walk into the gallery. Alas, I am a poor starving other kind of artist...”
Brian Howlett - Consultant
Brino Ism - Artist
"I think this is going to be a powerful series and can't wait to see the full show.
Mary's a master!"
Marc Jarvis - BMW Mechanic
“Wow! Impressive. When I become well-off enough to buy art, I want one! I can
picture it in my bedroom right now.”
Ken Jarvis - Extreme Sports Guide
"Just looked at your website for 1st time in awhile...now I'm not biased but
wow...brilliant work! Would love an NZ scene reminiscent of your Venus landscape."
Fred Lawyer - Fan
"Wonderful edges and transitions"
Jack Lee - Dramatic Artist
"Congratulations! Fabulous pic, by the way!"
Jack Leissring - Art Collector, Artist, Writer
"Rings of time in scarlet, wonderful!"
Kay Marquet - Consulting
“I admire Mary's work and the quality that she achieves in pieces with very
different looks and styles.”
Kalia Mussetter - Consultant at Living Bridges
“Your work is so gorgeous, and I am glad to know of it. Have you considered doing
smaller pieces of a similar style/process, for those of us who would buy from you
but cannot afford larger pieces yet? ..I also wonder if you are interested in applying
your exquisite paintings to textile and fabric design? It would be a smash hit among
quilters, for sure, and probably interior designers as well.”
Paul Nicholson - Artist In Residence, Nonesuch School
"Mary is a fellow artist I met through the artist community here in Sonoma County,
CA. Mary is an accomplished artist's artist. Her paintings are world class and take the
viewer into the deeper realms of perception of which she is clearly adept. I give her my
highest recommendation."
Jan Odell - Ford Odell Group, Public Relations
"Since childhood, Mary Jarvis has kept her own council. One can see this in her work
now as an artist. Mary imitates no one. She stays on her own path and pursues
beauty, adventure, color, form, questions and messages pulled from her great well
of energy and intelligence. Her work delights, confronts and never disappoints.”
Sarah-Jane Wiseman - Marketing, Lagunitas Brewing Co.
"Mary Jarvis is an amazing and inspired artist. I have known her in our local community of artists and community movers and shakers for a few years now.
I remember when I first met her and saw her works. I went with my sister to an opening at Uribe Studios in Santa Rosa, where she had her studio at the time. I was instantly drawn by her small gouache paintings of amoebas, cells and the like hanging outside of her tiny studio there. In fact, I fell in love with one called "Bacteria" which now currently hangs on my bedroom wall. Her use of color is this print is gentle and soft, yet intriguing. When I finally was able to peek my head into her studio, I was instantly blown away by her gorgeous and stunning wood grain paintings that were taking over the tiny space that she worked in. Everywhere you looked vibrant shades of fiery reds, yellows, oranges and blues leapt out at you.
I became a Mary Jarvis fan after this inspiring evening and have followed her ever since. She is definitely "one to watch" and I'm looking forward to seeing her new studio space and artworks."
Laurie Winkler - Fan
“I just have to tell you how much I love your wood pieces they are fantastic
thank you”
Fred Vedder - Artist, Art Instructor, Roseland University
“Mary and I rented art studios at the same time at the Backstreet Gallery in Santa Rosa. Mary's artwork is meticulous and beautiful. We conferred regularly with each other about our work. Mary has an absolutely magnetic personality and is very encouraging of others.”
Sandra Van Meter - Fan
"Way Cool! I like your work! Love this - this is great"
Michael Valenzuela - Artist, Designer
"Pierre bought it himself? I love this piece."
Michel Stong - Blogger, Artist
“I am a designer/blogger and have been following Mary Jarvis' career for quite some time. She is a fine artist, community activist and a strong supporter of the arts in our community.
I attended and interviewed Mary during her 'one woman' installation. She garnered rave reviews, and attendees were treated to a superb evening of art, food, wine and music, all locally produced. Mary transformed Uribe Galleries into a sleek, red on white, seamless piece of eye candy. Her large format, red 'woodgrain' pieces were breathtaking and startling in their beauty and simplicity.”
Mille Stelle - Political Activist, Intellectual
Jim Spitzer - Artist
"I certainly would give Mary Jarvis a THUMBS UP for the quality of her technical skill and creative content---She is a master."
Bill Shelley - Artist
"Really like this idea! It's fresh and unique. How big? What materials?"
Carrie-Anne Rumpak - Fan
"Oooh, I like that version just as much as your red ones!"
Eric Ralphs - Fan
"Ahh.. I kind of thought that they were painted on wood, and the colors followed the actual grain... but if not, that's even more impressive. I really like the look. Just gorgeous."
Jill Plamann - Hammerfriar Gallery
“I'm attracted to Mary's work because she defines the issue of atmosphere well. Her work is solemn and well thought out.”
William O'Keeffe - Artist
“No gimmick mary they come under the classification of 'Hyper-Realistic' artworks whatever the medium...”
