Mary Payton
{My} work finds me caught up in an exploration of my unique visual experiences, striving to convey what it feels like to be trapped inside of the filter my brain is determined to use. My hope is that these pieces reach the audience with a pleasant, energetic, positive slant...I hope for individuals to find landscapes, animals, people, or objects among the chaos of dots and fragments of color.
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-Mary Payton
Biography
Growing up within a family of artists, Mary Payton experimented with art at a young age, a momentum that led her to pursue art education at South Dakota State University. While raising her three children, and working in the private sector, Mary taught art lessons in Sioux Falls after school programs.
In 2015, Mary's artistic process and focus deviated due to her diagnoses of a rare neurological condition, resulting in life-altering vision impairment. Describing this radical shift, Mary states, The unique and beautiful way my brain now sees the world has inspired my artwork to be more vibrant, joyful, and full of movement. Despite difficult acclimation, Mary uses her journey to spark joy and reflect upon the fellowship, support, and landscape unique to eastern South Dakota.
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