Maryanne Patlak:  

" I am a vegan, we're not crazy, we're compassionate. But if being compassionate is crazy, then I don't want to be sane. " ~ Maryanne works with discarded materials, usually nature's flotsam debris found on the beach. Having spent four years living in the Caribbean, she was inspired by the people, places, and cultures. First, painting sea life and birds with acrylics on bamboo, she moved on to coconut husk masks, driftwood carvings, and macrame integrating seashells and feathers. She has worked with recycled copper wire to craft hand-in-hand doll chains and paper-mache angels. Reused milk jugs covered with paper-mache spring to life as brightly painted masks. ~ The wood from electrical spools covered with sea glass and mirrors, mosaics of broken pottery and glass depicting life in the islands, and tambourines painted with native beach scenes transport her back to experience with happy people living in a third world. Ancient aboriginal influences are a recurrent theme in acrylic painted palm frond pieces and wall hangings. ~ Next she moved to San Francisco where she was again inspired by her surroundings. She became more interested in designing jewelry, handbags. More discarded objects became part of her art. Collage art covered purses and boxes. She designed embroidery clothing with the 1960 theme of peace, love, and happiness. She has a line of mailboxes with that same theme. All of her artwork reflects harmony, unity, and universal love. The intention of her art is to spread the love through her art creations for others to enjoy....Expand for more