Remembering Mary Lovelace O’Neal

Photo Credit: Aaron Wojack

Mary Lovelace O’Neill was my professor, advisor, and mentor at UC Berkeley from 1988 to 1991. There were only a few African-Americans present in the arts department at that time, so for me, her presence was welcomed in the space. She recognized my abilities as an artist that despite my sight-impairment, I had a deep and disciplined vision. 

Through her support and advice, she encouraged me to explore my process with independent study. Her mentorship provided a deeper understanding of the unconventional role that she practiced as an artist and a black woman. I was fascinated by her use of black paint as her primary palette during the early 90s, and I’m in awe of her use of color and form in her paintings now.

While I am sure I am only one of many students whom she has inspired. She will always be remembered as the first artist who showed me how to navigate the world through my practice of art.

To learn more about Mary and her impact, see Mary Lovelace O’Neal, Whose Paintings Were Saturated in Black, Dies at 84, The New York Times.