Artist Mary Ellis

About Mary
Bright, vibrant primary colors, flowing with the emotion and passion of the artist describe the work of New York artist, Mary Ellis.

Making art has always been a big part of Ellis’ life. Her formal art training began at Pratt Institute where she received her BFA degree. It was an extraordinary time to be studying with some of the future greats of the contemporary art scene. Not only was she fortunate to be taught by Alex Katz, Robert Mallory, Mercedes Matter, and Richard Lindner but also on campus teaching were Robert Rauschenberg, Jacob Lawrence and Philip Pearlstein. The atmosphere was electric with creative energy, and she flourished.

Her artistic career began by pioneering abstract art on needlepoint canvas. She painted one of a kind pieces, and transformed the craft into original works of art. These were sold from her shop in Greenwich Village. She continued to pioneer the use of fine art on unconventional canvas by developing the concept of art on clothing through the process of silkscreen. The notion of wearing art was well received, and before long she launched an entire active wear company called Designpoint. The clothing, for adults and children, was marketed through leading retailers throughout the US, Asia, and Europe. The Mary Ellis logo was also featured on various licensed product in the gift industry.

She now owns Fifth Avenue Manufacturers, an upscale souvenir and gift company which she co founded with her partner and husband Kenny Bookbinder. Her distinct line drawings, vibrant pallet, and fresh point of view, contribute to their growing success. The art represents many of America’s most distinctive landmarks and is sold nationally to airports, gift shops, and department stores. They also provide custom art for prestigious museums across the country.

Mary has always been profoundly drawn to brilliant color and clean flowing lines found in nature. Her soul was touched when she first learned about Les Fauves: Matisse, Derain, Vlaminck and when she saw paintings by Arshille Gorkey and Hans Hoffman. Paint on canvas and oil craypas are her favorite materials. The texture, fluidity and immediacy allows her brush to energetically, and joyously, dance across her canvasses. When she is developing new art for her manufacturing company she is looking out into the world at landmarks and specific icons for inspiration, and the work is representational. When she is painting for herself she draws from a well of pure raw emotion and the work is about energy, light, line, space, form and color, and is totally abstract.

Creating art has always been a very empowering experience for Ellis. She approaches all of her ventures as just another surface to make her art. Presently she is spending more time in her studio, painting one of a kind abstract canvasses, and making limited edition prints.