305-304-0019 mosheapdx@gmail.com
2081 NW Everett St., #510, Portland, OR 97209

My name is Mary O’Shea, and I’ve lived near the water my whole life—from Portland, Oregon to Honolulu, Hawaii to Key West, Florida. Recently I returned to my hometown of Portland to be closer to my roots, family, and friends, and in doing so I’ve fallen in love again with this old port town.

The watery journey I’ve been on for half my life has shown me that I need to live near water. It feeds my soul and fuels my passion for creating and working with glass. Fused glass, a magical art form that dates back to the Ancient Egyptians more than 5,000 years ago, continues to fascinate me. Its shimmer, shifting textures, and reflective light create a depth that seems alive. The colors continually morph with movement, carrying the rhythm and mystery of what lies beneath the surface.

Living by the water, I feel myself become part of my environment—one day a Great Blue Heron, another a White Egret, sometimes a Goliath Grouper, or even the sand and tide along the beach. In each piece I create, I embody the anima of what I’ve observed, rejoicing when the glass has cooled into its final form.

For as long as I can remember, I have documented, like a biologist, the fish, birds, water, and people of my surroundings. I believe artists are natural mirrors of their environments. I have been blessed to live in places I love, and my work is an attempt to honor them—capturing their essence and interpreting the ever-changing beauty they reveal.


If you'd like to be added to my e-mail list, and get a fresh look at some new work via my weekly e-newsletter, FRESH CAUGHT FRIDAY, CLICK HERE. :}