Born on September 24, 1938, in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Mary Fowlds attended the Diocesan for Girls in Grahamstown from 1947 to 1957 during her formative years. She was awarded medals and distinctions in art even in her early years, which laid the foundation for her artistic career.

She finished a thorough three-year Graphic Art Course at the Port Elizabeth Art School, where her official art education began. Notably, she specialized in portraiture during her fourth year of study under the guidance of Joan Wright, the daughter of the well-known South African artist Dorothy Kay.

She made her impression on the Johannesburg art scene in 1958 when she participated in the “Artists of Fame and Promise” exhibition at the Peter Wenning Gallery, which was an uncommon honor for a student from the Eastern Cape. Her work developed in the Port Elizabeth Art Society, where she had multiple successful shows where she displayed her wit and expertise.

After moving to Johannesburg in 1978, Mary started a varied career path. She worked as an art director at Scharrer, Edwards, and Fraser for five years after bringing her creativity to B.B.D.O Advertising’s Creative Department for five years. Her creative abilities were showcased in a number of exhibitions held at the Crake Gallery, the Chinta Park Courtyard, and several other galleries in Johannesburg. Notably, her work was also included in Christie’s auctions and displayed at the Art of Africa Gallery in London.

Mary is still committed to her artistic endeavors, even though she is currently living in the Eastern Cape after previously working out of Parkhurst, Johannesburg. She is steadfast in her devotion to her profession and continues to paint, give private classes, and work on commissions despite moving.
Mary Fowlds is a versatile artist who works in a variety of media. She prioritizes painting above drawing since she views art as a visual language. Her paintings throb with an intense depiction of movement, achieved by a skillful and flowing application of paint.

When Mary digs further into her topics, she reveals layers beneath the surface, which is evidence of her quick execution style that is as spontaneous and unique as sketches and is a crucial component that defines the character of her completed creations.

Mary channels the influence of renowned artists such as Augustus John and the French Impressionists into her artistic creations. She still paints, shows, and gives private lessons in her studio, which is now located in the Eastern Cape. She still actively works on commissions.