Mary Riggs Ramain is an introspective artist who creates distinctively poetic, photo-based fine art that is both deeply personal and, at the same time, universal. Her innovative approaches are inspired by experimental "accidents" which yield emotionally compelling images. She employs symbolism--both iconic and personal--to eloquently express her spiritual vision.
Her work is highly influenced by historical art, philosophical and literary forms. Surrealism, German Expressionism, the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, symbolism, and allegory show themselves in her series NOT MYSELF: A Path to Transcending Trauma. Another of Ramain's series STAGES OF HEALING relies on Dadaism, Cubism, Surrealism and symbolism for it's form.
Ramain uses historical and contemporary photographic processes to create artwork in response to life. Her uniquely-conceived and finely-crafted photographs are thought-provoking, prompting the viewer to consider their own path of spiritual discovery.
In a recent online publication of All About Photo, Ann M. Jastrab, director of Rayco Gallery in San Francisco, CA, describes her kinesthetic response to the NOT MYSELF series--"a trembling".
"...haunting, enigmatic, gorgeous, and disturbing images...a keen personal meditation on the act processing trauma...one of the best interpretations on this theme I have ever seen..."
review of NOT MYSELF from LensCulture
"Near Death Experience", "Remembering to Breathe" and "Becoming Visible" from NOT MYSELF have been acquired by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
