Benda, Mary

Mary’s inspiration in art began at a young age due to competition between her Dad and her brother, and herself, all trying to draw the best comic strip pictures with pencils.  Later she enjoyed working in Charcoal, chalks, oil, watercolors, and multiple crafts. Her oil paintings were displayed and sold at a co-op in Olympia, Washington and multiple places in the surrounding area. While earning a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology the dream work classes and the and the healing arts took center stage. She began weaving art into her therapy sessions using multiple mediums. Veil Painting (a therapeutic watercolor technique) added to the client’s insight and inner healing.

It was not until 1993 that she ventured into the world of glass. Glass can be manipulated with heat (kiln firing) into utilitarian or decorative shapes by slumping or draping the glass using molds. Beautiful jewelry and art pieces can be made using dichroic glass, glass frit or powder. The effects of light, reflection, color changes and depth are limitless. It is in her glass studio that she is most creative.

Contact me at:  doctor.mary.2000@gmail.com