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Mamie Joe Rayburn, a first generation Chinese American, was originally encouraged by her grandfather who was also an artist. Mamie's parents wanted her to be involved in the more lucrative field of science or medicine, however she had no interest in anything but art.
Mamie as a young child would sit for hours while minding her parents' small grocery store and sketch. By the time she had finished her senior year in high school, she knew she would never be happy unless she prepared herself for a future in art.
She feels that the very basic elements of line, space and color are essential ingredients in her art. How these elements react with one another is always her major concern in every piece she does. Her primary effort is directed toward studying the relationship of positive and negative spaces while giving more emphasis on composition.
Mamie is determined to work towards solidifying her work by using high contrast, as well as various textures, while continuing to manifest sensitivity. She employs symbols which have special meanings that relate to her own childhood. Her art has always reflected the cultural complexities of her family's traditional Chinese background with her upbringing in the South.
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