Mary Tanana is an award-winning American jewelry and surface pattern designer known for her intricate and colorful folk art-style patterns. Based in Warwick, Rhode Island, she has had a long and successful career in the creative arts.
Career and artistic style
Jewelry design: Mary spent most of her career as a jewelry designer, creating pieces for major retailers and working with top brands like John Hardy and Vera Wang, as well as branded product lines at The Home Shopping Network and QVC. Her innovative style earned her prestigious honors, including the Platinum Guild and Women's Jewelry Association "DIVA" Award.
Surface pattern design: Following her jewelry career, Mary returned to her love of surface pattern design, which she had first studied at Syracuse University. Her work in this medium is characterized by detailed, vibrant patterns influenced by her extensive international travels and fascination with various cultural designs, such as Indian henna designs and folk art from Eastern Europe.
Inspirations: Her designs are heavily influenced by nature, including her love for orchids and gardening, and she often translates the colors, forms, and textures of landscapes and architecture into her work.
Creative expression: Mary sketches in various mediums and has expressed her designs on everything from natural stones, organic wood elements, eggs, to home décor and hand-painted furniture.
