Mary Michael Shelley’s folk art pictures are low relief carved on pine boards, then painted with acrylic paint. She uses traditional chip carving technique to create contemporary American folk art, each piece an original.

Shelley is an untrained self-taught artist in the great American tradition. She began carving in 1973 after her father gave her a sculpted picture he made of the family farm. Shelley worked for 15 years as a sign maker, and learning this trade strongly impacted her artistic development. She was born in Bucks County, Pa, but has lived in Ithaca, NY her entire adult life.

Mary is best known for her pictures of diners, barns, animals, and Americana themes. Absolut Vodka used her work to create an “Absolut Shelley” advertisement. Shelley’s work can be found in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution, the American Folk Art Museum, the High Museum, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Mary can be found every summer saturday carving at the Ithaca Farmers' Market in Ithaca, New York. To watch a video of Mary demonstrating her chip carving techniques click here.

To see more of her work please visit www.maryshelleyfolkart.com




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