Meet Mary Wu | Artist and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Wu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, how do you think about risk?
I took the plunge and created my Instagram account in July 2023, just two months after discovering the joy of watercolor. I was still recovering and bedridden at the time, but I was eager to explore the synergy between art and social media and sharing my story of being sick and finding art in my 40s. Although I was nervous about sharing my creations, I recognized that it was essential to stepping out of my comfort zone and chasing my dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was previously a teacher. At the beginning of the pandemic, I became extremely ill. I was bedridden and in need of full-time care. It was during this challenging period that I discovered the therapeutic benefits of art, which allowed me to transcend my physical limitations and create new worlds from my bed. I am now committed to sharing my artistic journey with others through daily tutorials on social media, hoping to inspire them to explore their own creativity, regardless of age. As a self-taught artist, I am passionate about the process of learning and growth. Having largely recovered from my illness, I attribute a significant portion of my recovery to the healing power of art. I recall the sense of hope and purpose that art brought to my daily life, even in the darkest moments. Through my artistic journey, I have come to understand the importance of embracing imperfection and focusing on the creative process. Art has also taught me to cherish the small joys in life and to release my need for control. With a combined 500k+ Instagram and Facebook followers, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with and learn from them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to the picturesque cliffs in Palos Verdes. During my illness, I lived in a rented house in Palos Verdes, escaping the overwhelming stimuli that my nervous system couldn’t handle like sound and light. I used to dream about fresh air… As I slowly recovered, I yearned for the refreshing ocean air and the calming rhythm of the waves. The ocean’s magnetism drew me to its shores, and I would sit on the cliffs, eyes closed, basking in the peacefulness of the moment, thankful for the precious gift of life and the beauty of nature. Los Angeles is a vibrant city with endless options like restaurants, entertainment, and culture… but for me the most important thing is to spend quality time with a good friend, creating precious memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, and God for providing me with hope during a time of great personal struggle. The necessity of relying on others for my care and relocating to a quiet home with a full-time caretaker has had a profound and lasting impact on my life’s perspective.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamapandapainter

Facebook: HTTPS://www.facebook.com/mamapandapainter

Image Credits
I took these images myself.