Mary Martin Gallery to Present “States of Being: A Dialogue” on September 1st

Press Release

The public is invited to Mary Martin Gallery on September 1st for the opening reception of “STATES OF BEING: A DIALOGUE” which will be held at 5 pm to 8 pm at 143 East Bay Street, Charleston. 

Artists and good friends Priya Rama and Marie Redfearn Smith have long supported and encouraged each other’s artistic endeavors; and recently decided to collaborate creating “STATES OF BEING: A DIALOGUE”. Each artist has interpreted “states of being” in their distinctive signature style and medium, one in oil and one in acrylic. Some of the titles and sizes are “Anticipate” 20″x 16″, “Expect” 16″ x 20”, “Thrill” 20″ round, “Amaze” 20″ round, “Content” 20″ x 20″, and “Epiphany” 20″ x 20″.

Artists gain creative inspiration from many various sources. Abstract expressionist Priya Rama’s source of inspiration unfortunately involves pain! Approximately 1 Billion people worldwide suffer from debilitating migraines. Priya’s art is born specifically from “Migraine with Aura” migraines. Along with the pain and pressure, colors and shapes appear in her mind’s eye. Priya captures her migraine visions, which can be bright flashing dots, sparkles, or lights, creating highly chromatic radiant paintings.

“I work with acrylics because they’re water-based and have no odor. Strong smells are a migraine trigger for me. Also, acrylics dry quickly and are the perfect medium to work in layers, when I am in the zone and want to paint furiously,” says Rama.

Since 2017 Priya’s paintings have been exhibited in numerous exhibits around the country. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and featured in local and national publications as well as on radio and television.

Where does it come from? Can it be learned or is it genetic? Talent, it’s been discussed for centuries and is even part of Greek Mythology. Artist Marie Redfern Smith’s talent may be both DNA and learned!

Smith is the daughter of South Carolina artist Evelyn Redmond Redfearn. Visual art has always fascinated her as she grew up surrounded by beautiful paintings. Furthermore, Smith’s aunt is Mary Redmond Martin, owner of Mary Martin Art Galleries.

Years of arts studies at several colleges such as College of Charleston, University of Louisville and University of Cincinnati were initially focused on photography/printmaking and ceramics later on graphic design. Smith’s career changed after encouragement by a friend to take a painting workshop. “Painting has been the push/pull of how I see, feel, and deal with things,” states Smith.

Having experienced both expressionism and realism styles of painting with great success, Smith realized that the act of painting was fun and joyful when her gestures flowed while laying down layers of paint. The joy disappeared when creating realistic paintings became “work”.

Both artists will be at the opening reception to meet the public.

Priya Rama and Marie Redfearn Smith are represented by Mary Redmond Martin, Mary Martin Galleries in Charleston.

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