Marilyn Narey

As a transdisciplinary artist, I create 2-D and 3-D paperworks* that are particularly suited for gallery installation and private collection.

Building upon my several decades as an award-wining educator, an innovative designer of community-based projects, and an internationally recognized author of scholarly books on literacy education, meaning is critical to my practice. From the perspective that meaning, or “sensemaking,” employs multiple modes, I engage in critical analysis of sensory data; explore symbol and metaphor in word, image, and space; and interrogate embedded meanings of materials and connotations of context.

While paper is a primary material source, whether my idea results in a super-realistic drawing, an abstract sculpture, an original poem, or some combination of paper-based forms is not pre-determined. Rather, the physical form for each work arises from my thoughtful consideration of how best to make meaning of an initial concept.

My pieces typically evolve into a series: a body of connected, yet individually unique works that emerge from my inquiries within personal/universal themes of identity, with focus on the historic and current socio-cultural frames of being female. Needlework with its cultural connotation of “women’s work” is a common element across these diverse forms. Throughout the process of developing my series works, questions often arise that prompt further research into my ancestral and socio-cultural past and/or outreach to my surrounding female communities for collaboration and further investigation.

Since opening my Studio117 at Radiant Hall (McKees Rocks) in November 2023, my work has been juried into multiple shows, garnered awards, and been presented at invitational exhibits and poetry readings. Beyond the studio, I work with groups such as the Pittsburgh Poetry Society and the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project (University of Pittsburgh) and currently, I am in the process of developing several other community-engaged learning opportunities and collaborations that center my studio practice within the broader community.

For Studio Updates follow me on Instagram @narey_studio117

(*Paperworks is a categorial term for works on paper including drawings, paintings, prints and works in paper including sculptural pieces, and multimodal works with pulp and commercial, up-cycled or artist-made papers).