About Mary Lemke

The path from compulsive doodling to professional artist is paved, like Samuel Johnson's road to hell, with good intentions.

Do I intend to create serious art? Nope. Do I intend to create fun art and have fun while doing so? You bet. And I hope that viewers will enjoy their fair share of the fun. Maybe you'll be reminded of someone you know - a quirky friend, an obnoxious neighbor, or the nerd in the cubicle next to you.

My degree from Ohio University was not in Art, but in Communications. My twenty year career (before turning artist/real estate investor) was not in Drawing, but in Surviving Seriously Endless Corporate Meetings. Today I draw to provoke an amused smirk, a rueful grin, a self deprecating chuckle, and - who knows - maybe even a tad of insight through recognition of life's and our own absurdities.

To me, art is fun and I don’t take it too seriously. When people ask where I get my inspiration, I simply say that I love drawing faces! I have always liked whimsical folk art that makes me smile. I use my art to make fun of stereotypes that people hold. 

After working in a large office with a large number of great people, I am now enjoying the solitude of drawing. I don’t have to hold a meeting to decide what to draw; I don’t have to devise a project plan or a budget. I just draw!!