At the age of 30, Mara moved from her native California to Oahu, and four years later settled on Kauai. Soon after moving to Hawaii, she created a tee shirt company, Kaimara, which featured her original designs inspired by the islands. An artist most of her life, Mara’s main body of work was born on Kauai, stirred up and released by the powerful experience of Hurricane Iniki. After Iniki, images poured from her hearts-eye to the canvas. For over ten years, she has been creating paintings that honor the Feminine aspect of Spirit. Her imagery draws inspiration from cultures around the world, from the cycle of the seasons and from universal symbols and form. Looking at her work, one can see and feel the blend of many diverse influences ~ the art of O’Keeffe and Chagall; Tibetan, Hindu, Aboriginal, African and Native American art; mystical Sufi poetry and Buddhist teachings. Thru her work, she shares her deep appreciation for the exquisite beauty that surrounds us all.
"I feel so blessed to be able to create a livlihood thru my art. This was not always the case in my life, and for many years I worked at jobs that drained my energy and my spirit. In 1985, at the age of 30, I travelled to Hawaii - a journey that would mark a pivotal change in every aspect of my life. The beauty of the islands contrasted sharply with the gray world of Los Angeles (where I lived) and spoke to the magic I felt within my heart. By early 1987, I had torn up all my roots in Southern California and transplanted myself in Oahu." "I was ill for most of my first year on the islands - my immune system was in shock from many stressful conditions I had previously experienced, both physically and emotionally. After a year of deep rest and rejuventation, I emerged much stronger, and with the determination to follow my heart and be the artist I always felt I was inside. I began my artistic career by creating a line of handpainted T-shirts. The founding of my own company - Kaimara - was a major stepping stone in my growth as a self-employed female artist." "Within four years another major change occured when I moved to the island of Kauai, and began painting full time. Kauai was (and still remains) my heaven on earth. It was there, surrounded by exquisite light, bountiful vegetation and the turquoise sea, that these images of the Feminine spirit began to emerge."
In 1994 the artist relocated to the Pacific Northwest with her dear friend Bob Friedman. The two founded New Moon Visions, a small publishing company that reproduces Mara’s images on cards, giclees, posters and other art gifts. Her work can be found in shops across the country and is also featured in books, calendars and many other publications. The business is currently managed by her brother, Jeff Reichert. In 1999, Mara and her sister, artist Karen Russo, founded the STREAM School of Art (Sisters Together Rejoicing in Expressive Arts and Magic). STREAM offers classes and workshops in “sacred creative play” to girls and women of all ages. Teaching has become a very important aspect of the artists’ life, balancing the solitary passion of creating art with the joy of sharing with her community. The Triple Goddess Tarot, featuring Mara’s imagery and the writings of Isha Lerner, was published by Bear & Company in 2002. One of nineteen featured artists, five of her paintings were selected for the 2004 Mythic Journeys Art Exhibition honoring Joseph Campbell. A dream was realized when "The Art of Mara Friedman" 2007 wall calendar was produced by Amber Lotus Publishing in the fall of 2006. Her paintings depicting the grace, beauty and strength of women, have been used by many community service organizations a visual inspiration for their clients. The artist lives and works in the green Oregon countryside. "Within this peaceful setting, and with the support of my family and friends, I continue to create paintings that express my deepest emotions and my highest visions. Life is rich and full..." Each year she makes an extended sojourn to her beloved Kauai, where she paints and soaks up the island’s blessed mana.
My work reflects the changing seasons as they circle by, the dance of light and shadow, the spiraling rhythm of going within and reaching out, the movement of energy thru and around the body… all swirling melodies contained within the deep stillness of Knowing. Let the beauty we love be what we do. (Rumi)
Many thanks for your interest and support of my work, Mara
New Moon Visions donates a portion of its proceeds to causes that protect Mother Earth and Her children of all ages.
