Sterling Sculptures
Mary Alice Sterling

A self taught artist, Mary Alice came to the art world after a career as a registered nurse in the US Air Force. Working with her husband, Tom, she creates the basket portions of their collaborative efforts, weaving complex textures with both visual and tactile appeal.

Her work is executed in semiprecious natural materials, often richly colored and figured hardwoods, with occasional mother of pearl or fossil ivory accents. Each work is a closely orchestrated marriage of texture, form and color. Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, she naturally takes much of her inspiration from what she sees all around. The natural world, Native American legends, or pure whimsy are all fair game.

Where others strive for esoteric meaning, she expresses herself in natural materials, seeking the means to appeal to the eye and the sense of touch. Typically, her artwork doesn’t need a capital rotunda for display. Her tiny works are best observed from closer than arm’s length – in the hand. In fact, eyes really aren’t necessary at all, for a major portion of their appeal is simply tactile. This is art that says “Pick me up — Please Touch.” If there’s a message here, it’s simply “Enjoy, be refreshed and be at ease.” You can’t even use most of these containers for any really practical purpose. I suppose, put simply, we’re really just talking about containers for the soul.

Currently exhibiting in Penn Cove Gallery, 5 NW Front Street,Coupeville WA 98239
(360) 678-1176

All contents copyrighted © 2002 | Tom Sterling

Tom Sterling PO Box 1621 Coupeville WA 98239

Last Updated: Monday April 7, 2008