Stand Clear the Closing Doors by Mary Gaylord

Stand Clear the Closing Doors  (2006) by Mary Gaylord is an oil and torn paper collage measuring 12 by 16 inches. It is signed lower right.

This painting represents Mary’s interpretation of women breaking through social and professional barriers, as illustrated by a woman thrusting herself into a moving subway train. 

Of her artwork she states: “As the events that touched my life changed, so did the focus of my work: family and friends; war, peace, politics; theater; women’s rights, social justice; travels to Maine, Mexico and abroad.

“The formal elements of painting and drawing, line, pattern, color, space, have always been of primary concern to me. I would call myself a ‘drawer’ who paints. I try to achieve my objective through conscious and subconscious process. It is difficult for me to find the words to clarify the ‘why’ for much of this work. Some images are obvious; others have strayed from the initial intention and become an enigma, even to me.”

Mary Gaylord Loy was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia. She began her study of art at an early age, thanks primarily to her mother, who was instrumental in founding an art center in Clarksburg. She continued her art education at Wilson College in Pennsylvania, Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia, and Washington University School of Fine Arts in St. Louis, Missouri. She was awarded a fellowship to the Skowhegan, Maine summer art program after her graduation in 1954 but 

was unable to attend. She has worked as an artist for over fifty years and has taught drawing, painting and design. In 1991 she was awarded a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, France.

She has been active in the Womens’ movement and other human rights issues since the early sixties, which is frequently reflected in her work. She was a member and officer in the local National Organization for Women and a founder of Utica’s first alternative elementary school, the New School. 

Mary lives with her husband, and fellow painter John Loy, in upstate New York. 

Click on the main image to enlarge it.