Mary Anne James

Biography

Mary Anne James was born in Daytona Beach, Florida to Southern parents who owned a family motel on the beach, The Seashore. Growing up with an older sister and a younger brother, the majority of Mary Anne’s childhood was spent playing on the beach, under palm trees. Mary Anne loves the sound of the wind as it rustles the fronds and how the color of the trees turns at sunrise and sunset. She is always amazed by their flexibility and their unmatched ability to survive the storms.

Mary Anne started painting with pastels in elementary school and has always had a love of expressing herself in visual forms. Discouraged by everyone she knew to pursue a career in the arts because of its inability to produce a steady income, Mary Anne pursued business and graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in textiles marketing. She worked in retail in California and later switched to wholesaling for a major jewelry manufacturer in Rhode Island. Eventually, she moved to New York City to accept the National Fashion Coordinator position with Monet Jewelry.

Wanting to ask more ethereal questions about the nature of God and life, Mary Anne left New York to pursue a Master’s degree in Theology and Psychology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. During this time, she spent a year living in Israel while writing her thesis.

Traveling to most of the Middle Eastern nations and back through the Balkan countries, Mary Anne explored many different cultures, religions and lifestyles.

Mary Anne began painting when she reached her late thirties, realizing that "If you're going to do it, what better time than today to begin!" Moving back to Florida, she had a new appreciation for the quality of life that Floridians lovingly refer to as "paradise." Being able to express that love of her surroundings through painting is a joy beyond belief. When that love is reciprocated by the viewer and the paintings are transferred to new, permanent homes, the process is complete.

Mary Anne has exhibited in numerous group shows, has had several solo exhibitions, and has won numerous awards from various shows throughout North America. Her work is displayed in many private and public collections throughout the world. Mary Anne continues to live with her son, who also spends a lot of time on the beach, under the palm trees, just like his mom did.