My unconventional forms are the product of an unconventional process using unconventional materials.
What people are saying...
"I cannot overstate the impact Mary has had on my practice growth, as she has been an incredible mentor to me. Being the first to introduce me to metalworking and the contemporary jewelry world, she significantly contributed to my achievements and overall development. She led me to discover my fascination with the search for materiality and conceptual thinking, and joy in sharing research and discussion. The generosity and willingness with which she shared her extensive knowledge as a teacher deeply inspired me to pursue a path of teaching...She is patient in supporting my personal journey, values, and dreams; she has always believed in me and encouraged me to push my limits.
~Miku Saeki, student and mentee
" ...Mary Skrenta has truly been an inspiration in my life and my work. She is understanding, giving, creative, and non-judgmental. She’s helped me develop my conceptual thought process tremendously and has helped me shift my thinking from a marketing perspective to an authentic and bold perspective.”
MFA Mentee
"After seeing Mary's artwork and taking two classes with her, my mind has opened up to the power of possibilities."
Gladys Lawrence, Veteran Arts Initiative Student
“Working with Mary was a truly collaborative experience. She took my basic ideas, with cabochons I cut, and created a beautiful pair of earrings well beyond my expectations.”
David Sigler, commission client
"The dozen or so figures in Mary Skrenta's Eulogia twist and plop like shapeless living matter, but are topped by dabs of gold leaf. The figures invoke the paintings of the French surrealist Yves Tanguy. The translucence of the gossamer (skins) creates an otherworldly effect, which is appropriate—the Greek word eulogia refers to holy objects. So it is tempting to think of the spots of gold leaf as little halos, and the figurines themselves as fetishes for half-formed gods."
Joseph Clark, Thinking Big With Small Pieces: After The Pedestal at The Sculpture Center, CAN Journal, summer 2017