Meet Mary Gill

"I never forgot Trinidad and Tobago. I never forgot the bright costumes of carnival, the music, the food, the people." These words capture the essence of Mary Gill's artistic journey—a path that began in the vibrant, color-saturated world of Trinidad and Tobago and continues to flourish in her Madison, Wisconsin studio.

Mary's formal artistic education began at the prestigious Bishop Anstey School for Girls in Trinidad, where she first discovered her natural talent for capturing the world around her. The school's emphasis on academic excellence and creative expression provided the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to art.

Following her passion for both art and education, Mary pursued her BS, MA, and PhD, understanding that teaching and creating were complementary expressions of the same creative spirit. Her teaching career became a bridge between her Caribbean roots and her growing understanding of how art could connect people across cultures.

Before fully embracing painting, Mary explored the world of fabric design in Trinidad, where she learned to think about color, pattern, and texture in new ways. This venture into textile arts taught her about the relationship between art and daily life, how beauty could be woven into the practical aspects of human existence.

In 2006, while living in Atlanta, Mary made the pivotal decision to transition from teaching to pursuing painting as her primary artistic expression. This marked the beginning of her evolution into a confident painter who could speak her truth through color and form.

Moving to Madison, Wisconsin, provided Mary with a new perspective on her Caribbean heritage. The contrast between the snow-covered landscapes of the Midwest and the tropical warmth of her homeland created a unique artistic tension that enriched her work.

Mary's work reflects this dual perspective—deeply rooted in her Trinidadian cultural heritage yet speaking to universal human experiences of love, community, memory, and hope. Her paintings don't simply depict Caribbean scenes; they invite viewers into a world where cultural specificity and universal emotion coexist.

Today, Mary Gill stands as a confident artist whose work celebrates the richness of Caribbean culture while exploring themes that resonate with people from all backgrounds. Her studio in Madison has become a space where Trinidad's carnival colors meet Wisconsin's contemplative seasons.