”Pick up the intense colors of a rainbow…
Add the echo of nature,
And a zest of passion captured through glass…
…the results of this recipe are One of a Kind Pieces, coming to life through a distinctive
multi-dimensional effect.”
The Process…
My explorations with glass painting started in 2004.
I describe the method as a different form of "Reverse Painting” on transparent glass. Even though reverse painting already existed, I developed a truly unique process which I named “Fusion ReverSoul™”. It combines an intricate mix of various layers of applications & techniques on glass. I apply an array of mediums to create diverse textures, which results in a distinctive multi-dimensional effect.
When you look at a vase, you need to know it was painted backwards from the inside. Some of the most intricate pieces like the “Baroque vase”, “Mystical Amphora”, “Ancient Amphora”, can have up to 18 layers of applications and took as long as 4 weeks to be completed.
When I start a new piece, I can see the color combinations I am going to use and the effect I want to produce but as I progress, I evolve with my creation which always takes a life of its own. When the inspiration flows freely, the results are always exciting and deeply fulfilling…
Artist Statement
My collections have been inspired by a strong passion for colors and glass, but also by my sailing journeys covering the most beautiful and colorful places in the Caribbean islands, the Mediterranean Sea and Venezuela. Equally, the surrounding beauty in my daily life plays an important role in the creative process.
In each piece, I try to capture the vibrancy, richness and intensity of the colors that you would find in the ocean, a beautiful purple sky after a tropical rain shower, a Michelangelo painting, a wheat field, or even an intricate piece of fabric…
I perceive my work as very rich and feel it needs to be observed closely in a proper lighting to really be appreciated. The more you pay attention, the more you will discover new depths and shapes…The same is true in life: you can look at a flower and say “it is beautiful!”, or you can stop and really observe the details… Only then, will you reap the rewarding experience of amazement and discovery of the intricacy and richness of the color combinations, the depth and variations in textures, the shapes and forms within the subject itself…
The nuances in one color will most likely reveal the underlying colors that were used during the process.
My message is to inspire people to deepen their awareness of their surroundings so they can fully embrace the magical beauty and power of nature, therefore strengthening their connection with it. It will result in a stronger appreciation and respect for life itself and everything included in it.
The detailed photographs that I take from my work really illustrate the way I approach my art work but also objects, situations and people in my life…
The jewels of life are discovered through a deep commitment to go beyond appearances.
By choosing glass as first medium, there is an analogy with water and it reveals a desire for purity and clarity, but it also represents the Universe, the Invisible Source that connects us all together.
The richness of colors and different elements (leaves, gold leaves…) reflects the diversity of each individual.
The intricacy of the layers reveals the complexity and the beauty we find in the human race and the Universe.
Look closely and enjoy!
BIOGRAPHY:
Marie Donze is a creative, self-taught artist and decorator. Born in France and raised in Provence, she learned to transform personal life challenges into successful and fulfilling experiences early in her life. She developed a desire to awaken people to spirituality through creativity, self discovery, beauty and art.
With the creation of her initial business “Whimsically Yours” in 2004, Marie transformed glass art into a successful venture. Creating art by reverse painting on glass inspired Marie to combine colors, fabrics and materials. This inspiration led to the creation of Marie’s decorating business “French Ambiance” in 2005.
She believes the trigger point of her artistic expression was inspired by the complete renovation of a 10 unit apartment investment property, which she purchased in 1997 with her former husband. With all of their resources limited due to the investment, she discovered talents she never knew existed. She methodically completed an extensive renovation of each unit and learned to design, decorate, faux finish, sew, paint, tile floors and kitchen counter tops, landscape…all of this while managing the property as rental units.
The experience lasted 5 years of intense labor... that’s when she truly reconnected with her creativity and realized she had finally found her calling. She was ready to start a new venture with her creative gifts.
Marie has traveled extensively. Again, without experience in the nautical world, she sailed and worked on yachts in the Caribbean, Venezuela, and the Mediterranean for a 5 year period. During that time, she and her former husband also accomplished a Transatlantic and participated in the “1995 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta” on the “Amazon” a 73 feet sailing yacht.
Marie hobbies and interests include reading, decorating, swimming, gardening, photography, personal & spiritual development, animal & environmental preservation.
