Friday, November 16

WOMEN’S MARCH


2019 Women's March on Washington DC 1.19.19

The size of the crowd the night before the 2019 Women's March in DC was unpredictable. Within a couple of hours on the morning of the 19th, crowds were emerging onto the Freedom Plaza from all directions. An exuberant diverse crowd of individuals who spoke their own truths with great passion and energy. Not everyone agreed with each other's positions, but nevertheless found a way to embrace their differences and speak to them without hostility or malice. Like the first Women's March on January 2017, it was a positive, energetic display of democracy in its glory.

To be continued....and continued!

"Time Will Pass"  2019 Mary Becker Weiss Quote by Anton Chekhov
"Time Will Pass" 
© Mary Becker Weiss
Quote by Anton Chekhov

Sunday, November 11

"JUST WHEN I FIGURED OUT ALL THE RULES, THE GAME CHANGED..."


Mary Becker Weiss worked for years to advocate for victims of domestic violence, to facilitate support groups in Hospice’s Grieving Children’s Program, and as an art facilitator who works with creative storytellers who have dementia and varying levels of cognitive abilities. Through the years, Mary's work in assemblage and collage has been a powerful tool for self expression, emancipation and empowerment.

What is the name of your studio?
Corniche (A corniche is a road on the side of a cliff or mountain with the ground rising on one side of the road and falling away on the other. The word comes from the French route à corniche or road on a ledge.)

"A Love Letter to Victor Hugo" 
© Mary Becker Weiss


(see more assemblages)


“Delicate Balance 2023” 
© Mary Becker Weiss
What excites you about making art?
It took me a while to get there, but I would say the unpredictability of the outcome, particularly with my abstracts. I grew up in the military as a child where every thing was clearly defined and delineated. Everything was black or white. No gray. No play. No creativity or “interpretation.” 

It took me years to unlearn those lessons and rigid structure and to let go of the reins in creating some of my pieces. It is when I have been able to relinquish that control that surprises have come my way that were unanticipated. At first it was frightening to let go, but now I have learned to embrace and welcome that moment.

Do you have art in your house? What kind of pieces?
Yes, we collect contemporary art as well as vintage art. I have always been drawn to those artists who create with passion and abandon. I love the early work of Helen Frankenthaler and Georgia O’Keeffe (though I don’t have either one), but I am just as inspired by fellow Maine artists.
    What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
    Graphic designer, CNA, freelancer

    Why art?
    It emancipates my demons (and there are many)...

    What memorable responses have you had to your work?
    • I get lost in your work and it is full of wonder, movement... swirling, rhythmical, solid and strong (the use of that brilliant gold with the deep red) yet a place to get caught and lost."
    • "Such powerful work. I tremble."
    • "Your work is breathtaking and brave. I am in awe."
    • "Mary Becker Weiss' work is not just "out of the box" it is WAY out of the box!"
    • "Mrs. Weiss, I like your paintings. They make me really dizzy." ~ From a 4th Grader in Gardiner
    • "Dear Ms. Becker Weiss, I think your "Speechless" has left me speechless. Actually it's truly bizarre (though I have gone back to look at it at least a half dozen times.")
    • “Mary, thank you for teaching me how to see.”
    Has your work changed over time? In what way?
    Though my intentions have remained constant, my work has dramatically evolved through the years. When I first started with simple non-objective drawings, I was determined to try to “create something that no one had seen before.” (Robert Mapplethorpe) Hah! I do admit that some of my early yawps are still floating around out there.

    "Emotional Baggage"  © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Emotional Baggage" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss


    What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
    • Love Edna St. Vincent Millay’s quote “depart, be lost, but climb.”
    Professionally, what’s your goal?
    • To expand my work as an art facilitator which pairs artists with creative storytellers who have varying levels of cognitive abilities.
    • To push away from my comfort zone. (Easier said than done, but I’m working on it.) 

    Saturday, November 10

    José Andrés' World Central Kitchen

    Jose Andreas | World Central Kitchen

    Had a chance to recently meet "THE MAN" who spearheads World Central Kitchen for victims of disaster when and where ever they are in need ~ José Andrés!   So pleased to shake his hand and to thank this gentleman for all that he has done. A true inspiration.

    World Central Kitchen
    Attn: Donation Services Team
    200 Massachusetts Ave NW, 7th Floor
    Washington, DC 20001

    World Central Kitchen,Chef José Andrés,How to help Ukraine

    "I didn't hear them. I didn't hear a thing..." ~ DT 2017.01.22


    Banners for March for Our Lives 2022 Portland Maine


    March for Reproductive Rights 2021


    HALLOWELL MULTICULTURAL CENTER BANNER BY ARRT!

    Brunswick Maine March for Reproductive Rights 2021


    Your vote is your voice!

    Women's March DC 2019
    The size of the crowd the night before the 2019 Women's March in DC was unpredictable. Within a couple of hours on the morning of the 19th, crowds were emerging onto the Freedom Plaza from all directions. An exuberant diverse crowd of individuals who spoke their own truths with great passion and energy. Not everyone agreed with each other's positions, but nevertheless found a way to embrace their differences and speak to them without hostility or malice. Like the first Women's March on January 2017, it was a positive, energetic display of democracy in its glory.


    Women's March DC

    March for Our Lives Brunswick Maine 2018

    March for Our Lives Brunswick Maine 2018

    March for Our Lives Brunswick Maine

    WOMEN'S MARCH ON WASHINGTON 2017 Matt Sesow
    "Women's March on Washington 2017" © Matt Sesow

    Sister Rally to Women's March on Washington Brunswick Maine 2017.01.21



    Black Lives Matter Brunswick Maine 2020



    To be continued....and continued!


    Sunday, July 1

    "AMERICA NOW: A DIALOGUE" Portland Public Library, through July 21, 2018

    AMERICA NOW: A DIALOGUE : PORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY : PORTLAND MAINE


     “It’s an incredibly important show in these times and a chance to reflect on what America means to us and what it means to be an American,” Bellows said. “I hope this show helps people reflect – and perhaps to act.” (Shenna Bellows, executive director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine) ~ Bob Keyes, "Feeling Desperate Artists Respond to the Times in America Now", July 8, 2018

    "The art of "America Now" tells us that unless we can live in harmony with one another and with nature we are doomed." ~ Edgar Allen Beem, “America Now and Then: Art in Time of Crisis”

    "The (America Now) exhibition is full of images that capture and comment on America’s anxiety sown by divisions across race, class, gender and politics. “America Now” reflects that anger and angst, while providing moments of empathy and humanity that connect people and offer hope for bridging the divides. In a world filled with contention, where respectful dialogue is elusive, “America Now” offers an opportunity for conversation." ~ Bob Keyes, "The Artists Are Restless" Portland Press Herald, October 29, 2017

    NOISE © Mary Becker Weiss : For America Now : A Dialogue Exhibit Portland Public Library
    "Noise" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    Artist’s Statement:
    “A piece of artwork can stop traffic.
    Can make you think.
    Rise above the noise.
    Make you act.
    Make it impossible to forget.
    Make it impossible to walk away.”
    ~ Mary Becker Weiss 2017.10.20


    Saturday, March 24

    "DREAMCATCHER" (take care not to smile at any part of it)

    “I have dreamed in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after and have changed my ideas. They have gone through and through me, like wine through water and altered the color of my mind. And this is one: I’m going to tell it ~ but take care not to smile at any part of it.” ~ From Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”

    DREAMCATCHER © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Dream Catcher" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    My work in creating abstracts from my early drawings and adaptation to the unpredictability of encaustics has encouraged me to loosen the reins and to actually let go of the reins altogether in trying to control the outcome of each piece. There have been happy surprises as a result, which may be a metaphor for life. ~ MBW

    QUOTABLE QUOTES
    • "This is pensive, smiling magic." ~ KT
    • "You are full of surprises." ~ JF
    • "Lovely, fine ~ deep." ~ SM
    • "Your art work has made a lasting impression on me." ~ RA
    • "Hey, man, you're definitely into border violation!"


    Thursday, March 15

    Great News: "AMERICA NOW: A DIALOGUE" EXHIBIT moving from HHRC to Portland Public Library July 2018

    "Exploration" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    Artist’s Statement:
    “A piece of artwork can stop traffic.
    Can make you think.
    Rise above the noise.
    Make you act.
    Make it impossible to forget.
    Make it impossible to walk away.”
    ~ Mary Becker Weiss 2018.07.06

    "The art of "America Now" tells us that unless we can live in harmony with one another and with nature we are doomed." ~ Edgar Allen Beem, "America Now and Then: Art in Times of Crisis"


    Sunday, January 21

    Power to the Polls!

    “Woman Soul leadeth us
     upward and on.” ~ Goethe

    “Life Warriors”  © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Life  Warriors" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss 

    "14th Amendment" © Mary Becker Weiss
    "14th Amendment" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    “Just Another Day in Hallowell” © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Just Another Day in Hallowell" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    “Psalm Unsung” © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Psalm Unsung" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    “Posted: Fundraiser for Harlow Gallery” © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Posted: A Fundraiser for Harlow Gallery" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    HER ECHO WILL ECHO © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Her Echo Will Echo" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    "Nevertheless She Persisted" © Mary Becker Weiss
    "Nevertheless She Persisted" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss

    "And Still We Rise" © Mary Becker Weiss
    "And Still We Rise" 
    © Mary Becker Weiss