|
|
NORMA MAHOOD-BAY
"My lifelong fascination with nature has motivated me to paint and sketch my perceptions of the natural world. Painting has made me more acutely aware of my surroundings–of the intricacies and beauty in all of nature. I enjoy the challenge of watercolor and the manipulation of this medium. Art truly is nourishment for my soul."
Norma grew up in Bramwell, West Virginia. She graduated from Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing in Roanoke, Virginia, and worked as a Registered Nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, for two years. She then returned to Bluefield to enjoy life as a wife, mother, and homemaker. Facing an empty nest, Norma resumed her education, earning an Associate Degree in General Studies and a BS in Behavioral Science from Bluefield College in Bluefield, Virginia, and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. During this time she began a 13-year career as a Lifestyles Columnist for the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.
About 25-30 years ago, Norma studied art for a brief time with Allyeu Wilburn–but did not seriously devote herself to watercolor painting. Norma resumed her artistic endeavors in 2003. Living as a "snowbird" in Florida, she enjoyed a series of workshops at the Mount Dora Center for the arts and was inspired and encouraged by her instructor, Nan Reinking, who cautioned that "art will take over your life." It did. Upon returning to Bluefield, Norma enrolled in Ellen Elmes' Outdoor Watercolor Class at Southwest Virginia Community College. For the past four years, she has continued with Elmes at SwVCC, and has enjoyed an additional two seasons of study with Reinking. Norma's main focus has been her connection to nature, but now her work is evolving into a more abstract form of art. Norma lives in Bluefield, Virginia, with her husband, Elmer Bay.
|
|
 |
 
|
|
| COPYRIGHT
©2007 APPALACHIAN ARTS CENTER OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE |
|
|
