Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Rochford
Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story as an artist began when I was young. Like most kids, I was creative. My mom, who is a portrait artist, taught me some basic painting skills. While I developed an early connection to visual art, I devoted most of my time to theater and acting. I loved studying characters, behaviors, and motivations — an interest that shaped how I see the world.
By 2019 I was a slightly burned-out actor living in Austin. I had spent years in the cycle of auditioning, rehearsing, and performing. Theatre often felt like a perpetual group project. I was ready to try working alone. I returned to painting and soon discovered embroidery. The skills I honed in acting, the ability to observe and interpret human emotion, naturally evolved into my love of figurative art.
In 2021, I was lucky to join atxGALS, the largest collective of emerging women and nonbinary artists in Austin. In 2022, I was chosen for the Austin Emerging Arts Leaders mentorship program and later became a Board Member for the organization. I live in Austin with my husband and pup, who are key figures in my artistic journey and happiness.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Making art is, by nature, a constant challenge. Any person who makes things will tell you there are (many) moments of frustration, failure, and self-doubt. That’s where all the good art comes from! I like to try new things. I like to dream big and later realize, “Wow this dream is much more difficult than I anticipated!”
Art is made through a combination of technical skill and delusion. It takes years to build up technical skills. Delusion comes easier; it is the romantic belief that if I try hard enough, I can turn my messy thoughts and emotions into something clear and beautiful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Through needle and thread, I make intricate portraits. Each piece takes hundreds of hours to complete, using bold colors and patterns to explore the inner worlds of my subjects. I am interested in quiet moments — capturing a moment when someone is alone and swimming in their own thoughts. It is those blaring, silent snapshots that intrigue me the most.
The result of months and months of stitching is best experienced in person. Up close with a piece, you can truly see how the strands of thread blend together. I love to watch people approach my embroidery work and realize it is made through thousands of stitches.
I continue to paint as well. I find freedom in switching between embroidery and oil to best suit what I try to convey.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If possible, I definitely recommend connecting with a mentor in your field. I’ve found that many people are willing to guide the way if you are willing to ask questions. I’ve also gained a lot of insight from building relationships fellow artists in Austin. Whether we’re sharing tips on how to make a website, or recommending where to get fine art prints, we help make each other’s lives a little easier. Artists are constantly figuring things out as we go along! Don’t be afraid to share your experiences, roadblocks, and breakthroughs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maryrochfordart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.rochford.art/
Image Credits
Neil Ghandi, Rory Hejtmanek
