Mary Margaret Briggs was born and raised in Seattle. Her artwork has two distinct influences; the verdant beauty of her Vashon Island home, and the four years she spent living and traveling in Asia. Mary spent her twenties and thirties designing textiles for the fashion industry. Today, she creates collaged panels composed of abstract and botanical monotypes. Mary attended the University of Washington. Initially, Mary worked from her own studio based in Seattle and later on the design staff of Nike, in both Hong Kong and Portland, Oregon where she was a creative director for apparel for the Asia Pacific region. Mary got homesick for Seattle, so in 2011 she returned to Vashon Island where she settled with her family. She realized a life-long dream and began work as an artist. Mary is blessed to work from a studio surrounded by gardens, trees and grassy fields on her island property.
The term ‘monotype’ refers to any printing method resulting in a single print. Mary is known for monotypes - any printing method resulting in a single print - which she prints from real foliage cut from her garden. She uses them to create vivid photographic effects. After creating a portfolio of related prints, she cuts them apart and recombines them into collaged compositions which have modern, graphic proportions. Her career in textile design shows itself through the color palettes she develops and works in, which change and evolve with the seasons. The collage process creates balance and harmony and contributes unexpected combinations. She finishes the panels with many layers of low-luster varnish to create a waxy glow.
