Episode 19: Calligraphy, Illumination and Artwork with Mary Fleeson

Liturgical rebels

In this conversation, Christine Sine interviews Mary Fleeson, an artist inspired by Celtic spirituality and the natural beauty of Lindisfarne. Mary shares her artistic journey, the influence of ancient manuscripts, and how her faith shapes her work. The discussion also explores the meditative process of creating art, the evolution of materials used in her craft, and the inspiration she draws from music and nature. Mary highlights her current projects and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of making art accessible and meaningful.
Takeaways

• Mary's artistic journey began with a fascination for Celtic knotwork.
• The beauty of Lindisfarne deeply influences Mary's artwork.
• Mary's art aims to draw viewers into prayer and meditation.
• The process of creating art is meditative and requires focus.
• Ancient manuscripts like the Book of Kells inspire Mary's style.
• Music and poetry significantly influence Mary's artwork.
• Mary's current projects include prayer spaces and new art pieces.
  Mary Fleeson has lived on Holy Island, just off the coast of Northumberland, UK since 1997. She studied textiles at college then gained an honours degree in Three-Dimensional Design in 1992. About her work Mary thinks that her style originates from doodling in lessons at school (!) combined with opportunities during her education to experiment with many different types of media and techniques.
  Together with her Christian faith, living on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and being surrounded by its natural beauty and visible history, is the greatest inspiration for Mary's work; a feeling of being part of a rich cycle of life which began in pre-history and encompasses extremes of peace and violence, poverty and prosperity. She also studies early manuscripts and ancient calligraphy from around the world to gain an insight into how calligraphy and illumination have enhanced works, both religious and secular, throughout the ages.
  Over the last 25 years Mary has created over 120 pieces of artwork that sell as prints and greeting cards and has written and designed over 75 books including devotional, prayer, poetry and colouring books. Alongside creating illuminated art and writing Mary creates meditational weaving made from found scraps and yarn and enjoys teaching people how to create celtic knots.

Mary Fleeson and her work can be found on the Lindisfarne Scriptorium facebook page and website.
Find out more about Christine Sine on
Walking In Wonder on Substack
and on her website Godspacelight
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