Mary Jo Watson
Mary Jo has re-entered the art world to focus on a variety of art forms beginning with pine needle basketry. Making these baskets has been been passed down through three generations in her family. Mary Jo is pushing towards a more unconventional expression rather than the utilitarian baskets she grew up with. Combining her passion for antique wooden tools and other wooden items with this craft, her pieces often take on a sculpture like quality.
After working in the advertising field as a commercial artist/graphic designer for over 12 years, Mary Jo continually discovers new ways to express herself creatively. Now there's even more fun to be had with her ideas as she takes them from concept through to the end product~ which is quite satisfying. As a commercial artist rarely did this happen.
It is easy to see she enjoys her creations. There seems to be some joyful little twist to each item whether through color, or some unusual way she uses materials when adding the finishing touch.
Mary Jo was born in Wisconsin, has lived in North Carolina, Upstate New York as well as Long Island, and has traveled extensively while a flight attendant for 14 years. She is raising her family in Greenville, SC. As a mother of two incredible boys currently in elementary school~ she has found it a blessing to be able to create her art during the day inside her space at White Whale Studios. She calls it her magical space~ as she always emerges fresh after the days' work has been completed. Energy is exchanged through this process for sure~ again evident in her pieces.
