My old pal, artist Mary Hayslip never ceases to amaze. We’ve known each other for decades starting in Texas, where she still resides. Her view of the world is like no one I know.

She’s always consistently her own artist, and her references are constant too, working with the same imagery for 40 years, making wall art, jewelry, and now in her new exhibit at Deven Borden Gallery, her cast of characters has expanded and exploded from to 2 to 3-D.

Birds, bees, purple and green frogs, a non-scary life-sized clown, along with a barking chihuahua (she has one!) all conjured up with whimsy, intensity and an underlying positive message.

Embrace what you love and magnify it!

My words, not hers, but I doubt she’d disagree. Her language is visual, one she feels comfortable with sharing. Banners with more overt messaging;

“Welcome”
“Don’t Mess With Texas”
“Sugar Please”

(Btw, irony is at work in two of those titles… Hayslip loves Texas, but takes issue with much of its conservative politics AND she’s been off sugar for over a year. Notice the skull and crossbones.)

But no need for more descriptions, the work is speaking volumes…

Just tune in and listen.

Mary Hayslip runs through 3.20.20 at Deven Borden Gallery in Houston.