The artwork of Mary Margaret Briggs has two distinct influences; the four years she spent living and traveling in Asia, and the verdant beauty of her Vashon Island home. She creates collaged panels composed of botanical and abstract monotypes.

Born and raised in Seattle, she attended the University of Washington. Briggs spent her twenties and thirties designing textiles for the fashion industry. Initially she worked from her own Seattle based studio and later on the design staff of Nike, in both Portland, Oregon and Hong Kong where she was an apparel creative director for the Asia Pacific region.

Homesick for Seattle, she returned in 2001, settling with her family on Vashon Island. She realized a life-long dream and began work as an artist. She is blessed to work from a studio surrounded by grassy fields, gardens and trees on her island property.

The term ‘monotype’ refers to any printing method resulting in a single print. Briggs is known for monotypes that are printed from real foliage cut from her garden, creating vivid photographic effects. Her career in textile design presents itself through the color palettes she develops and works in, which evolve and change with the seasons.

After creating a portfolio of related prints, she cuts them apart and recombines them into collaged compositions which have modern, graphic proportions. The collage process contributes unexpected combinations and creates balance and harmony. The panels are finished with many layers of low-luster varnish, creating a waxy glow.