Mary Stokes is a multifaceted individual whose life is a testament to the power of personal growth, creativity and exploration. After graduating with a degree in Art History and Painting, she realized she wanted to experience the vibrancy of New York City. So she moved there after being accepted to the New York Studio School for painting and drawing. Subsequently, she went on to earn her Master’s in Childhood Education and taught in the city for 8 years. Then through 18 years endeavoring as a real estate broker, her path took a significant turn and the deeper calling of healing and embracing her art became her priority.

She embodies the spirit of a true artist and healer, constantly evolving and embracing the next adventure on her journey. Mary creates light and energy infused artwork to transmit passionately through these experiences and her extensive traveling. 

Over the past 12 years, Mary’s love of the oceans has taken her across the globe swimming with extraordinary sea life from The Silver Banks off of Dominican Republic, St. Johns V.I., Bali, Tonga, Hawaii, Mo’orea, Bimini, and Dominica. Through these many profound encounters she has deepened her connection with these astounding beings and is now bringing awareness to others of how vital they are to our oceans and life itself. Not only through being with them in person in the water, but also through her visual art.

Through her recent trips to Africa, traveling in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Kenya opened up a new dimension of her art. Going on safari and visiting different preserves and sanctuaries has expanded her calling to bring more awareness to the plight of animals and the raw beauty of Africa.

In her landscape and abstract work, she does not use traditional brushes, opting instead to paint with her hands, infusing her art with a raw and visceral energy. In her animal drawings, Mary employs very large format substrate. The work is drawn standing up, employing the whole body as a creative, somatic tool.

Now a Certified Conscious Breathwork Facilitator, she has discovered the transformative benefits of this practice, incorporating it into her personal wellness routine including the practice of yoga over the past 30 years.