Mary Davey

Present contemporary, abstract paintings can best be described as Post Suprematist. Geometric shapes take inspiration initially from a Curve theorem and develop through tangents, chords and cycloids, involving motion, in acrylic works on canvas. These are usually in bright colours. They have also provided inspiration for works in stained glass.

These works provide demonstration of my obsession with the decomposition of the objective, text or object, to the non-object, as when working in holography, some years ago. Mesopotamian textual explorations based on theories of the abstract through text and beliefs, resulted in sculpturally displayed holographic works.

In using oils for objective work, I have painted still life, nudes and clothed figures, portraits, land, town and seascapes. Pastel works on paper include portrait, still life and landscape themes. Watercolours are mainly floral or of dogs. Life and figure drawing, especially large and using charcoal, has always been a passionate occupation. I am a member of the Hesketh Hubbard Society at the Mall Galleries in London doing life drawings.

Commissions have included illustrations in pencil crayons and brush and ink for children's books and also depictions, in oils, of the stories of the 6th century St Fechin of Fore which will eventually remain in the Heritage centre, Fore, in Ireland.

I am currently working independently on a book for children using my own characters which will also work well as a cartoon series. I have recently begun printmaking again, abstract works in Lino lithography and screen printing.

I have lectured and exhibited for many years in a variety of galleries and venues. As well as being Head of Art in a secondary school for many years, I have taught painting, 3D design and graphic design in several colleges as a part time lecturer.

I am currently Chairman of the Society of Catholic Artists, now in its 87th year, producing bulletins, organizing commissions for schools and churches and co-ordinating exhibitions.