Mary Benda

Glass Creations by Mary

Mediums: Fused and Lead Wrapped Glass

Find my art at: By appointment, call 928-733-1383.

About Mary:

My inspiration in art began at a young age due to competition between my Dad, brother, and myself for the best pencil drawing of comic strip characters. Later I enjoyed working in charcoal, chalk, oils, and watercolors and multiple crafts. My work was displayed and sold at a Co-op in Olympia, WA and in other multiple places in the Olympia area. While earning a Doctoral in Clinical Psychology, classes in dream work and the healing arts fascinated me and I began weaving art into my therapy sessions. Veil painting (a therapeutic watercolor technique) added to my client’s insight and inner healing. In 1993, I ventured into the world of glass. Glass can be manipulated with heat (kiln firing) into utilitarian or decorative shapes by slumping into molds, or made into beautiful jewelry pieces using dichroic glass, or art pieces. The effects of light and reflection, color changes and depth are limitless.  It is in my shop that I am most creative.

Philosophy: Art is the healing food for the soul.