"My sister Jeanne and I grew up knowing and loving our Aunt Mary. We were often in awe of her sophistication but we loved being around her… She was incredibly kind and unexpectedly “fun” – her mere presence generated excitement.
Throughout her life, Mary continued to share her greatest gift with us – her talent; although as children we didn’t fully understand or appreciate it at the time. I remember, as a child, being disappointed at Christmas by receiving yet another “picture” by Aunt Mary instead of a doll or other toy. Jeanne remembers wondering why Aunt Mary always wrote her whole name on her pictures – we certainly knew who she was! Those childhood gifts that we managed to save are, today, among our most precious treasures.
I don’t think Mary ever thought of herself as a “pioneer” – she just wasn’t willing to give up her art for love or family… so she combined them all – and, in an era when women usually stayed at home or became teachers or nurses, she succeeded in a field dominated by men! She reveals her life philosophy and goal in a letter written to her husband, Lee Blair, shortly after their marriage in 1933:
Throughout her life, Mary continued to share her greatest gift with us – her talent; although as children we didn’t fully understand or appreciate it at the time. I remember, as a child, being disappointed at Christmas by receiving yet another “picture” by Aunt Mary instead of a doll or other toy. Jeanne remembers wondering why Aunt Mary always wrote her whole name on her pictures – we certainly knew who she was! Those childhood gifts that we managed to save are, today, among our most precious treasures.
I don’t think Mary ever thought of herself as a “pioneer” – she just wasn’t willing to give up her art for love or family… so she combined them all – and, in an era when women usually stayed at home or became teachers or nurses, she succeeded in a field dominated by men! She reveals her life philosophy and goal in a letter written to her husband, Lee Blair, shortly after their marriage in 1933: