Picture painted Alaskan memories include clinging to the swaying sides of a dogsled while sliding across a glass-like frozen lake. We carried our water, hunted, foraged, and fished for food, and had no television or telephone. Commercial fishing in the summer played an important role as I grew up. Salmon, shining silver in our nets, were pulled over the rollers and into our boats. Extreme conditions, punishing weather, and isolation made living on the shores of Bristol Bay a challenge to say the least, but the fortitude and determination my pioneering parents brought with them to Alaska was instilled in each of their children and living out in "bush" Alaska was a good way to grow up.
My interest in color, shapes and art began at a very early age with some serious finger painting in first grade and I, if God allows, will continue exploring, experimenting, studying and making art in some fashion for the remainder of my life. I paint with watercolor, acrylic, and oils, and work with clay and stained glass. Teaching and giving art lessons gives me a great deal of enjoyment. I have had my art accepted in numerous shows over the years and won awards in many categories. My paintings and stained glass work have found homes in collections throughout the United States and beyond.
I live in Homer, Alaska, which is situated on beautiful Kachemak Bay, 225 miles south of Anchorage. (Homer is known as a primary tourist attraction not only because of its incredible scenery, but also because of the excellent hiking, sport fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing opportunities. ) The views in Homer are stunning; breathtaking sunsets, waves crashing onto rock strewn beaches below ancient glaciers, and eagles soaring overhead. The ever- changing colors of sky, land, and sea offer an abundance of material for me to draw from; nature's palette has no equal. Whether at home in Alaska or on an excursion to some other intriguing place, the world offers abundant adventure, and for me, a chance to capture in some form, in some media, part of the wonder of life.



MARALI'S Art/Sealight Gallery • 2750 Sterling Hwy. • Homer, AK 99603 • Email: maralis@xyz.net • Phone: (907) 235-5383