Minimalism and Material Integrity.
Transitioning from a career in furniture design to creating sculptural forms, Mary Little has carved a unique niche for herself. Her meticulous process of tailoring and sewing transforms simple materials into complex artworks. Exploring the interplay between light, surface, and gravity, each of her contemporary sculptures embodies precision and unpredictability.
Mary Little’s process begins with making patterns, cutting, and sewing, like the approach of a tailor. Using a 2-D drawing program, she creates scale drawings and develops paper patterns. These patterns guide her as she cuts and sews small trials to review and refine the effects. With the inherent unpredictability of the canvas, each series builds on previous work while incorporating new ideas from experimentation.
Little’s furniture career centered around the functional aspects of furniture design, where she often manipulated fabric to enhance the pieces. As she evolved as an artist, she became more interested in the aesthetic qualities of her work. This transition allowed her to focus on creating forms free from physical utility—exploring her chosen material, unbleached cotton canvas.
The unbleached canvas serves as the cornerstone of Little’s work. The minimalist aesthetic evokes a sense of calm and simplicity. Drawing from her background in furniture design, Little uses upholstery techniques to manipulate the canvas, creating folds and tucks into the fabric. The final shape of each piece remains unpredictable until it is hung for the first time, adding an element of surprise to her process.
For Mary Little, the serene Irish countryside of her childhood, where the gentle landscape and simple, natural forms influence her work. The low hills, soft land formations, and well-worn boulders instill a sense of tranquility in her sculptures. This connection to the landscape reflects her minimalist aesthetic and dedication to showing the natural elegance of canvas.
Through her process and connection to her roots, Mary Little creates sculptures that transcend their humble origins. They offer a serene experience to all who encounter them.
Artworks featured in our collection, available to members:
Imagery courtesy of Craft In America.
