Mavin Ambrose is a painter living in the Elmira area. She has been married for twenty-five years and has a ten year old daughter. Mavin began studying art at Elmira College, with a major in painting and a minor in psychology. She then transferred to Syracuse University with a painting major, and there she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1970. Mavin has had many one woman exhibitions. She has won several art awards including "Painter of the Year" from Elmira College in 1969. Mavin creates her art in her studio in Elmira, and she has her own company, "Mavco".
Like writing a journal, my art documents my own "personal history", Combining images from mythology, dreams and every-day experiences, I try to evoke a feeling of mystery and magic in my work. Much of my focus is on female imagery because I am so often impressed by the strength and mysticism of my female friends and relatives and I feel that it needs to be visually recorded. Also, living in Upstate New York influences my work, and I often combine images of nature with the female form, intrigued by the inevitable relationship between women and the elements.
I have always been interested in different materials and enjoy working with a variety of media. I feel this experimention is compatible with the intuitive and spontaneous experience of the creative process. I am increasingly interested in art as "therapy" and feel that making art at any level is a tool for self-knowledge and personal growth.
copyright Mavin Ambrose