Provenance
Acquired by American Legacy Fine Arts directly from the artist
Artist Statement
"This work is rooted in classical realism and trompe l’oeil, using illusion and careful observation to explore the relationship between the enduring and the ephemeral.
I often place birds, fruit, and flowers in architectural niches or rigid settings that suggest permanence and stability. There dense, immovable structures create the impression of timelessness, while the natural elements they contain – blooming flowers, ripening fruit, and restless birds – embody change, vulnerability, and impermanence. Together, they reflect the quiet tension between what appears fixed and what is constantly in transition.
I am drawn to the way perception shapes our understanding of reality. What feels solid and lasting may be temporary, while fleeting moments can carry lasting meaning. Through controlled light, refined surface, and subtle illusion, I seek to heighten awareness of this fragile balance."
Mary Kay West
Exhibited
Mastering the Mood: Atmospheric Emotion, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California, April 24 - June 6, 2026
