Collection: Mary Gilkerson

Mary Gilkerson (1951–2022)

Paintings by Mary Gilkerson explore abstract representational scenes through rich oil paints, capturing the interplay of light, color, landscape, and memory.

Artist Biography

Mary Gilkerson was a Southern-born artist whose work reflected a deep connection to place and the evocative qualities of the natural world. Raised in Columbia, South Carolina, she spent summers exploring the beaches and marshes of Edisto Island, experiences that continued to influence her artistic vision throughout her life. Although she lived in various places, including New York and the United Kingdom, the Deep South remained her enduring source of inspiration.

Describing herself as an abstract representational painter, Gilkerson was less interested in photographic realism than in capturing the feeling of an experience. As she explained, “I’m far more interested in making a painting that evokes a memory of a similar experience in the viewer.” Her paintings explore how light reveals a landscape and how color can evoke memory, atmosphere, and a personal connection to place.

Gilkerson earned her BFA from the University of South Carolina before moving to New York to pursue her artistic career. She later returned to South Carolina to complete her MFA, combining her passion for painting with a commitment to teaching. For 26 years, she taught at Columbia College, where she encouraged young women to develop their artistic voices and creative independence. During this time, she received support for her work through faculty development grants, the South Carolina Arts Commission, and the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties. She also served as artist-in-residence at Congaree National Park.

In 2016, Gilkerson left her teaching position to devote herself full-time to her art, a long-held dream. She continued to explore her practice through near-daily paintings, monotype prints, workshops, and online courses, sharing her knowledge and encouraging others to embrace their own creativity.

Mary Gilkerson passed away in 2022, leaving behind a body of work that celebrates the emotional resonance of the landscape and the enduring power of artistic expression. Her paintings invite viewers to look beyond what is seen and connect with the memories, feelings, and experiences that make a place meaningful.