Mary Jo Trumbly, artist
Bison, 2020
Glass beads, metal

I was inspired by Gina Gray to do art. I loved Gina because she was an artist and had the talent. She was my mentor. I used to go to her studio and clean her brushes, and she would encourage me to put my artwork out there.  After some consideration of my work, she said that I was an illustrator so that is what I call myself. I generally design to the format of t-shirts and post cards.

Bison is a little more artistic than what I usually do.  I had to do something during this period. I was feeling frustrated dealing with all of this, and I needed something to take my mind off of it.  I gathered all of the beads I had and started creating the Bison in the center.  Then all of a sudden, I started creating the blues of the sky and the yellows and reds of the sun, circling into the stars… [she smiles]… I think I may have gotten carried away.