Biography
Mary Kayser’s art practice is diverse and incorporates sculpture, furniture, video, painting, drawing, and theatrical design and making.
“Making sculpture and the process of creating is like an adventure, it’s exciting; it opens new pathways of thinking, new connections and surprise discoveries that demand solutions.”
Mary Kayser’s work has a distinctive language that has developed over many years of her art practice. Materials, people, place, community and our shared planet has a story for Mary and she intricately shapes and skillfully marries together various combinations of materials, surfaces and concepts to reveal a story. Mary is always looking to move her work forwards through her exploration of materials, techniques and finishes. “I aim to capture forms and images that poetically describe specific themes, ideas and observations”. “I strive for excellence in my art practice, art teaching and other work in the arts sector.”
Mary Kayser enjoys the journey of exploring our multifaceted society and is constantly inspired by the natural environment, its contrasts and how living things are intricately connected. History, philosophy and science shape her thinking, as do the simple aspects of everyday life.
“…I grew up in the out-skirts of eastern Melbourne in Victoria where my parents eventually set up home after living in refugee camps for eleven years. They fled Hungary, post Second World War. My family background together with growing up in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, influenced my future interests and direction in Nature, Art and people. I commenced university studies in plant physiology, genetics and marine ecology and completed a 3 year Diploma of teaching, majoring in Science from Northern Territory, before gaining a 4 year Bachelor degree in Visual Art – majoring in Sculpture, Canberra School of Art, Australian National University in 1987. I commenced my art practice in 1988 and I am still going. I designed my current studio named Studio2Create in Canberra, for my art practice and to share my skills ….”
As an art educator with a diverse array of skills in creative art and making, Mary Kayser develops and delivers creative art workshops for children and adults, through school programs, community and art organisations.
Mary Kayser has exhibited her work regularly. Her sculptures are presented in the following collections: The Australian National University Art Collection, ACT Government Public Art Collection/Queen Beatrix Art Collection, Australian National Capital Artists Inc. (ANCA) and by private collectors. Mary has professional membership with the leading Arts organisation, NAVA since 2014, is a member of Craft ACT and Megalo Print ACT.
“I aim to capture forms and images that poetically describe specific themes, ideas and observations”
Curriculum Vitae
Education
1987–1984
4 year Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual) Sculpture, sub major painting, Canberra School of Art, Australian National University, ACT (Australian Capital Territory)
1981–1979
3 year Diploma of Teaching, Science major, Darwin Community College, Northern Territory
Professional Development & Positions Held
2021–2019
Designer, project manager and part builder of current studio: Studio2Create
2019–2018
New Tenants Committee member, ANCA (Australian National Capital Artists Inc.)
2019–2014
Chair, ANCA Mitchell Maintenance Committee
2018
Silversmithing workshop with artist Alison Jackson, Pocket Studio, ACT
Etching workshop with artist John Hart, Megalo Print Studio, ACT
Water colour workshop with artist Lesley Wallington, ACT
2017
Silversmithing and Forming a copper bowl workshops, with artist Alison Jackson, Pocket Studio, ACT
2014–2013
Chair of ANCA Board
2012
Treasurer of ANCA Board
2009–2008
Certificates in 2D & 3D Auto CAD & Tig welding, CIT Fyshwick, ACT
Selected Exhibitions
2022
2021
Miniature Sculpture Exhibition, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Miniature Sculpture Exhibition, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann, Lauren Harvey and Kaya Clarkson.
2019
Art-life, ANCA Studio Artists, 96 Hoskins St Mitchell, ACT, part of Design Canberra, curated by Heidi Lefebvre
2017
Shine Dome, East Space Gallery, Design Canberra, ACT, curated by Julia Greenstreet
The Playlist, ANCA, Dickson, ACT curated by Karena Keys
2016
Earth, Belconnen Arts Centre, ACT, curated by Benita Tunks
ANCA Open Day and Exhibition, 96 Hoskins St, Mitchell, ACT
Sacred, Blue Mountains Gallery, Blue Mountains, NSW, curated by Sabrina Roesner
2015
Protest, M16 Gallery, Griffith, ACT, curated by Benita Tunks
2014
Common Ground, ANCA, Dickson, ACT, curated by Annika Harding
Harris Hobbs Small Sculpture Exhibition, Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill, ACT, curated by Trevor Dunbar
2013
Sculpture by the Lake, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, ACT, curated by Narelle Phillips
18th Miniature Sculpture Show, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
Sacred, M16 Gallery, Griffith, ACT curated by Benita Tunks
Pin-up, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT, curated by Annika Harding
Momentum, Belconnen Arts Centre ,ACT, curated by Dianne Libke
ANCA Now, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT, curated by Meredith Hinchliffe
2012–2008
Miniature Sculpture Exhibitions, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann and Lauren Harvey
2011
Rituals Relics and Icons, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT curated by Narelle Phillips
5 Easy Pieces, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
2006–2002
Miniature Sculpture Exhibitions, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
2002–1998
Manly Council Sculpture Exhibition, Marine Parade, Manly, Sydney, NSW
2000
The Importance of Being Small, King Street Gallery & Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Various Views, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
1999
Big Thoughts/Small Works and 5 Easy Pieces, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Still Life, King Street Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1998
The Defiant 6 and Defiance Group Show, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Figure and the Landscape, King Street Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1997
It’s a Box II and The Biggest Little Show in Town, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1996
Size Doesn’t Matter and A box by Any Other Name, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1995
Canberra National Sculpture Forum Group Show, Solander Gallery, ACT
1994
Decorabillia, Two Person Show, Kooyong Gallery, Knox Grammar School, Sydney, NSW
1991
The Fourth International Shoe-Box Sculpture Exhibition, The University of Fine Art, Hawaii, USA
Furniture Exhibition, Narek Galleries, Cuppacumbalong, Tharwa, ACT
1990
Furniture Works by Mary Kayser & Robert Foster, Remo Gallery, Newtown, Sydney, NSW
1989
Evocations of the Garden, Huntly Estate, ACT
Canberra Floriade Festival Sculpture Park, Commonwealth Park, ACT
1988
CSA (Canberra School of Art) Sculpture 1987, Orange Regional Gallery, NSW
Canberra Floriade Festival Sculpture Park, Commonwealth Park, ACT
1987
CSA (Canberra School of Art) Sculpture 1987, High Court of Australia and Graduate Show, ANU, ACT
Awards, Grants & Commissions
2020
Homefront Grant, artsACT, Canberra, - website & creative art workshop development
2020
ACT Government Commission to design & paint mural for Aranda Playing Fields Amenities Block, Banaga Place, Aranda, ACT
2014
ACT Artists-in-Schools Program, artsACT, Canberra
2009
Defiance Gallery Prize for Miniature Sculpture, Sydney, NSW
Project Grant – artsACT, Canberra
1995
Sculptor in schools - Sponsored program within the Canberra National Sculpture Forum ACT
1992–1993
Australian National Capital Artists Inc. Design award and Commission: ‘Transition’ Sculptured Gates x3, Dickson, ACT
1991
Commission for x 4 Kayser Chair, Private clientele, Sydney, NSW
1989
Queen Beatrix Acquisition Award, Sculpture - Resting Place of the Dragonfly, Canberra Floriade, ACT
Seminar grant: To attend The Creative City seminar in Melbourne, artsACT Development Fund
Equipment grant: Community artsACT Development Fund
1988
Site specific sculpture – Chrysalis, Australian National University, ACT
Site specific sculpture – Aeolian, Canberra Floriade, ACT, private collection
Site specific sculpture – Spinnaker, Canberra, ACT, private collection
Collections
ACT public art collection: Outdoor Sculpture: Resting Place of the Dragonfly, Commonwealth Park ACT / Queen Beatrix Sculpture collection
The Australian National University ACT, Outdoor Sculpture: Chrysalis
Australian National Capital Artists Inc., Sculptured Gates x3: Transition and private collectors
Memberships
Professional membership with NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts), ISC (International Sculpture Center), Craft ACT, Megalo Print Studio.
Work History
1988–Present
Art practice — sculpture, design, fabrication, mixed media and educator (ABN 26058280220)
2020
Mural for Aranda Playing Fields Amenities Block, Sports & Recreation, ACT Government
2020–2013
Design & teach art workshops 8-12 yr, terms 1- 4 at Belconnen Arts Centre, ACT
2018
Sturt Summer School teaching adults Small Sculpture, NSW
Studio assistant: artist Savanhdary Vongpoothorn, ACT
2017
Design & Teach art workshops in collaboration with artist Julie Ryder, Australian National Museum, ACT
2014
Artist in Schools Residency Program - Macquarie Primary School – implemented art workshops through preschool to year six including professional development for teachers for two terms
2014–2012
Treasurer and Chair of ANCA Board. Australian National Artists Inc. (ANCA)
2013
Design and teach art workshops: January, April, July and October. ANU vacation care & Art tutoring – year 12
2012
Exhibition Gallery Assistant, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT
Design and teach art workshops: April, July and October, ANU vacation care
Studio assistant for: artist Geoff Farquhar-Still, ANCA, ACT
2011
Exhibition Gallery Assistant, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT
Studio assistant for: artist Elizabeth Kelly, Studio Tangerine, ACT
Assisted the refurbishment for the sculpture: Resting Place of the Dragonfly, ACT Government – Commonwealth Park, ACT
2010
Design for wombat tunnel display, Namadgi Visitors Centre, District Parks Conservation, ACT Government
Judging panel member for Lake Light Sculpture Award, Lake Jindabyne, NSW
2009
Studio assistant for: artist Julie Ryder, collage work, Pialligo, ACT
2007–2006
Federal Department of the Environment and Water Resources APS4, Corporate, Strategies Branch & Community Information Unit.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
1987–1984
4 year Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual) Sculpture, sub major painting, Canberra School of Art, Australian National University, ACT (Australian Capital Territory)
1981–1979
3 year Diploma of Teaching, Science major, Darwin Community College, Northern Territory
Professional Development & Positions Held
2021–2019
Designer, project manager and part builder of current studio: Studio2Create
2019–2018
New Tenants Committee member, ANCA (Australian National Capital Artists Inc.)
2019–2014
Chair, ANCA Mitchell Maintenance Committee
2018
Silversmithing workshop with artist Alison Jackson, Pocket Studio, ACT
Etching workshop with artist John Hart, Megalo Print Studio, ACT
Water colour workshop with artist Lesley Wallington, ACT
2017
Silversmithing and Forming a copper bowl workshops, with artist Alison Jackson, Pocket Studio, ACT
2014–2013
Chair of ANCA Board
2012
Treasurer of ANCA Board
2009–2008
Certificates in 2D & 3D Auto CAD & Tig welding, CIT Fyshwick, ACT
Selected Exhibitions
2022
2021
Miniature Sculpture Exhibition, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Miniature Sculpture Exhibition, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann, Lauren Harvey and Kaya Clarkson.
2019
Art-life, ANCA Studio Artists, 96 Hoskins St Mitchell, ACT, part of Design Canberra, curated by Heidi Lefebvre
2017
Shine Dome, East Space Gallery, Design Canberra, ACT, curated by Julia Greenstreet
The Playlist, ANCA, Dickson, ACT curated by Karena Keys
2016
Earth, Belconnen Arts Centre, ACT, curated by Benita Tunks
ANCA Open Day and Exhibition, 96 Hoskins St, Mitchell, ACT
Sacred, Blue Mountains Gallery, Blue Mountains, NSW, curated by Sabrina Roesner
2015
Protest, M16 Gallery, Griffith, ACT, curated by Benita Tunks
2014
Common Ground, ANCA, Dickson, ACT, curated by Annika Harding
Harris Hobbs Small Sculpture Exhibition, Canberra Grammar School, Red Hill, ACT, curated by Trevor Dunbar
2013
Sculpture by the Lake, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, ACT, curated by Narelle Phillips
18th Miniature Sculpture Show, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
Sacred, M16 Gallery, Griffith, ACT curated by Benita Tunks
Pin-up, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT, curated by Annika Harding
Momentum, Belconnen Arts Centre ,ACT, curated by Dianne Libke
ANCA Now, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT, curated by Meredith Hinchliffe
2012–2008
Miniature Sculpture Exhibitions, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann and Lauren Harvey
2011
Rituals Relics and Icons, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT curated by Narelle Phillips
5 Easy Pieces, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
2006–2002
Miniature Sculpture Exhibitions, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
2002–1998
Manly Council Sculpture Exhibition, Marine Parade, Manly, Sydney, NSW
2000
The Importance of Being Small, King Street Gallery & Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Various Views, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW, curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann
1999
Big Thoughts/Small Works and 5 Easy Pieces, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Still Life, King Street Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1998
The Defiant 6 and Defiance Group Show, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Figure and the Landscape, King Street Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1997
It’s a Box II and The Biggest Little Show in Town, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1996
Size Doesn’t Matter and A box by Any Other Name, Defiance Gallery, Sydney, NSW
1995
Canberra National Sculpture Forum Group Show, Solander Gallery, ACT
1994
Decorabillia, Two Person Show, Kooyong Gallery, Knox Grammar School, Sydney, NSW
1991
The Fourth International Shoe-Box Sculpture Exhibition, The University of Fine Art, Hawaii, USA
Furniture Exhibition, Narek Galleries, Cuppacumbalong, Tharwa, ACT
1990
Furniture Works by Mary Kayser & Robert Foster, Remo Gallery, Newtown, Sydney, NSW
1989
Evocations of the Garden, Huntly Estate, ACT
Canberra Floriade Festival Sculpture Park, Commonwealth Park, ACT
1988
CSA (Canberra School of Art) Sculpture 1987, Orange Regional Gallery, NSW
Canberra Floriade Festival Sculpture Park, Commonwealth Park, ACT
1987
CSA (Canberra School of Art) Sculpture 1987, High Court of Australia and Graduate Show, ANU, ACT
Awards, Grants & Commissions
2020
Homefront Grant, artsACT, Canberra, - website & creative art workshop development
2020
ACT Government Commission to design & paint mural for Aranda Playing Fields Amenities Block, Banaga Place, Aranda, ACT
2014
ACT Artists-in-Schools Program, artsACT, Canberra
2009
Defiance Gallery Prize for Miniature Sculpture, Sydney, NSW
Project Grant – artsACT, Canberra
1995
Sculptor in schools - Sponsored program within the Canberra National Sculpture Forum ACT
1992–1993
Australian National Capital Artists Inc. Design award and Commission: ‘Transition’ Sculptured Gates x3, Dickson, ACT
1991
Commission for x 4 Kayser Chair, Private clientele, Sydney, NSW
1989
Queen Beatrix Acquisition Award, Sculpture - Resting Place of the Dragonfly, Canberra Floriade, ACT
Seminar grant: To attend The Creative City seminar in Melbourne, artsACT Development Fund
Equipment grant: Community artsACT Development Fund
1988
Site specific sculpture – Chrysalis, Australian National University, ACT
Site specific sculpture – Aeolian, Canberra Floriade, ACT, private collection
Site specific sculpture – Spinnaker, Canberra, ACT, private collection
Collections
ACT public art collection: Outdoor Sculpture: Resting Place of the Dragonfly, Commonwealth Park ACT / Queen Beatrix Sculpture collection
The Australian National University ACT, Outdoor Sculpture: Chrysalis
Australian National Capital Artists Inc., Sculptured Gates x3: Transition and private collectors
Memberships
Professional membership with NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts), ISC (International Sculpture Center), Craft ACT, Megalo Print Studio.
Work History
1988–Present
Art practice — sculpture, design, fabrication, mixed media and educator (ABN 26058280220)
2020
Mural for Aranda Playing Fields Amenities Block, Sports & Recreation, ACT Government
2020–2013
Design & teach art workshops 8-12 yr, terms 1- 4 at Belconnen Arts Centre, ACT
2018
Sturt Summer School teaching adults Small Sculpture, NSW
Studio assistant: artist Savanhdary Vongpoothorn, ACT
2017
Design & Teach art workshops in collaboration with artist Julie Ryder, Australian National Museum, ACT
2014
Artist in Schools Residency Program - Macquarie Primary School – implemented art workshops through preschool to year six including professional development for teachers for two terms
2014–2012
Treasurer and Chair of ANCA Board. Australian National Artists Inc. (ANCA)
2013
Design and teach art workshops: January, April, July and October. ANU vacation care & Art tutoring – year 12
2012
Exhibition Gallery Assistant, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT
Design and teach art workshops: April, July and October, ANU vacation care
Studio assistant for: artist Geoff Farquhar-Still, ANCA, ACT
2011
Exhibition Gallery Assistant, ANCA Gallery, Dickson, ACT
Studio assistant for: artist Elizabeth Kelly, Studio Tangerine, ACT
Assisted the refurbishment for the sculpture: Resting Place of the Dragonfly, ACT Government – Commonwealth Park, ACT
2010
Design for wombat tunnel display, Namadgi Visitors Centre, District Parks Conservation, ACT Government
Judging panel member for Lake Light Sculpture Award, Lake Jindabyne, NSW
2009
Studio assistant for: artist Julie Ryder, collage work, Pialligo, ACT
2007–2006
Federal Department of the Environment and Water Resources APS4, Corporate, Strategies Branch & Community Information Unit.