"Ultimately, my goal is to preserve the feeling of a place as much as its appearance—a visual diary of the world as it is, right now."
Mairi Thorne is a versatile artist who works in both traditional and digital media. She describes herself as a “Millennial Artist,” with one foot rooted in classical techniques and the other exploring the digital realm.
Mairi's creative journey began in childhood, though she initially set art aside to pursue more practical paths. After initially pursuing biochemistry at university, she quickly realized her true passion lay in the arts. She later earned a B.A. in Game Art and Animation from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe Arizona, but upon graduating, she found herself drawn back to the world of traditional media—specifically watercolor and pastel.
Mairi's work spans a range of mediums, including watercolor, soft pastels, gouache, oils, and lino-cut block printing. While she still enjoys experimenting with various materials, her primary focus is on plein air painting. Capturing the landscapes around her in real-time, Mairi brings a fresh and vibrant energy to her work. She also continues to explore her other creative interests, including jewelry making, soap crafting, and paint-making, which reflect her broad artistic curiosity.
Her approach to art is deeply influenced by her upbringing, which was steeped in a rich heritage of medieval techniques and the histories of traditional crafts. These early experiences have shaped her diverse skill set and her ability to approach each project with a unique perspective.