Mara Clawson, born in Seoul Korea in 1992, is a self-taught artist who paints visual stories using soft pastels, oil pastels, paint, as well as digital technology. Sensing how colors mix and combine are at the core of her art. Zooming in on her paintings reveals the richness of her colors and a patchwork of mesmerizing textural patterns and complex abstract compositions. Clawson's choice of subjects is often driven by her concerns for issues requiring the world's attention and respect. Her artwork provides a refreshing perspective on the world, one infused with her desire to express her feelings and make others happy. Her work exudes the spirit of pure joy.
Mara was born with a rare genetic neurological disease, Familial Dysautonomia (FD). Art is a means for her to connect and express herself to others when her language disabilities pose a challenge. Her positive outlook, clear insights, and keen appreciation for human relationships influence her work and help her to manage the impact of her rare disease.
Mara’s work has been exhibited in four museums and 15 galleries across the United States and has received national awards. Most recently, Mara’s soft pastels and oil pastels were selected by two different MoMA curators in national competitions for inclusion in the 2020 and 2021 Works on Paper exhibitions at the Long Beach Island Foundation, Long Beach NJ. Mara is also the subject of the documentary film, Living Art, by David Rochkind of Ground Media, which premiered in six cities as part of the 2019-2020 ReelAbilities Film Festivals.
