I am commonly referred to as a folk artist, although I feel most comfortable with the the term "self - taught."

Mary Michael Shelley describes her work - painted wood carvings - as a picture diary, documenting places, events and feelings of importance in her life. She was greatly influenced by her parents. Mary did not think she had the talent for art so she studied writing at college.

In 1973 she started carving and painting, inspired by a woodcarving sent to her by her father. She calls her artwork picture stories, representing events and emotions of significance in her life.
In the past 48 years she has completed 2500 carved and painted wood reliefs, supplementing her art income through sign painting, ...