Meet Mary Unruh of Lapdog Art Studio in Glendale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Unruh.

Mary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved to create whether it be with oil, pencil, fabric, gardens or my home. I married young started a family and they are where my creative forces took hold. With three small children and doing foster care, my husband decided I needed to be reminded of who I was. He gave me time twice a month to work with a gal painting. She was a perfectionist and super talented which helped to refine my skill. Time passed I moved to AZ my children’s lives were still my focus. When the last established his own home, it was time to become me again. Determined, I set up a studio and started to allow who I am to flow on to a canvas. A couple of months into, I was given the opportunity to show at 9 The Gallery. I have a revolving gallery with a local cafe that has allowed me to share what I love doing. I have donated some of my work to charities that I feel could benefit from the profits. Open-air markets dot the cooler months. I continue to work towards establishing myself as a dedicated artist that wants to share my gift. Every time I sit down at that easel is pure joy. The art I create is me! Now that I am able to build my artistic journey, with that same joy that I raised my children, there are no limits. It has always been difficult to be the center but my time has come!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was in a horrific horse accident that broke and dislocated my shoulder, tore open my hand to expose bone, back and neck injuries. Going through rehab my hand didn’t come back, stayed closed. I am right-handed so it was difficult to button a shirt, let alone paint. I worked with a new specialist who gave me use of my hand. Perfect no, a little uncomfortable sometimes but it works. So when I think about that moment in time when I almost lost who I am. I am extremely grateful.

I think one of the difficult things with art is somehow involving people. You have to be able to sell what you have felt creating that painting. You have to find others that will support you.

All the time that I spent raising a family didn’t allow for painting. But during that absence from art it gave me all that I needed to start again. They support me now like I did them.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lapdog Art Studio – what should we know?
I am an oil painter with an emerging art studio. I feel what sets apart any artist is what they create. The works I paint touch people enough that they want it in their home. They want something that my hands made as a special gift for someone important to them. They want me to help them remember that lost pet in a painting. When you can create something with your hands and thoughts that evokes emotion, it is exciting.

My pride comes with each painting that is created because it truly is the best part of me.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I am very determined and really want what I am working towards. At this point in life, it’s not just earning money it’s doing what I’ve always wanted to do. All of it is a learning curve and continuing to meet good people that will give you that edge is where the success comes from. I continue to grow because I keep wanting to learn more. Each step whether it’s big or small, will develop what I am building.

Contact Info:

• Email: lapdogartstudio@gmail.com
• Instagram: maryunruh5
• Facebook: lapdog art studio page

Image Credit:
Mary

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