Mary Royall Wilgis

When I was 9, my mom thought I had a brain tumor. I explained to her that when I closed one eye, the world was all deep blues and aquamarine, and when I closed the other, the world was warm oranges and reds.

One pediatrician, three neurologists, and an eye doctor later realized that nothing was wrong with my brain. I simply had an acute sensitivity to color.

My creative practice is about translating my perception of colors and light to canvas to evoke a sense of wonder in the viewer. I use layers of transparent oil paint to create glowing pieces that connect to deeply personal narratives.

University of Virginia