Mari Calai shared: “When creating pieces that are aesthetically self-sufficient and true to my visual language, my hope is to also challenge viewers to think beyond what is immediately perceptible. Each of my artworks tell a story as I approach my craft with a life-long learning lens and open senses.”

While making cyanotypes, silver gelatin, platinum palladium prints, and collages, Mari use different mediums, from vintage film cameras to digital cameras, handmade papers, canvases, wood, and gold leaf. The media and techniques often change based on her project, but her curiosity and passion to create remain the same. Mari welcome experimentation, especially in alternative photographic processes, since imperfection plays an integral part in her work. Her latest work embodies kintsugi, the Japanese art of putting pieces together using gold emphasizing the beauty of imperfection.

Mari was born and raised in Romania, but she have lived in Italy, S. Korea, and now reside in Falls Church, VA. She has an inherent curiosity about life and cultures that she utilize in her art, and mostly the unseen magic around us. Mari has recently finished an Art Fellowship at George Mason University. She has exhibited in many galleries, with her latest solo show in Washington D.C. in July, and a group show in New York City. To read about her books, publications, professional activities, and latest exhibitions please visit her website www.maricalai.com