Mara Scrupe

During college I interned for Mara Scrupe, an environmental sculptor. She paid me a modest $10 for gas to come out to her home in Bremo Bluff, VA 1–2 times a week. It was a 30 minute drive from where I went to college. Once there I would do various jobs for her. I built a plywood crate; hung, mudded and sanded drywall; built a 15 foot sculpture of chairs in her studio (my own project) and whatever else she wanted me to do. It was the first time in my life that I felt independent and that I could do anything with art as my passion. It was the greatest feeling ever. I created things in an environment that was so different and new but most of all wonderful. She was my role model and still is to this day. She lives for her passion, making environmental statements through a visual medium.  I miss her wisdom, inspirational words and most of all working with such a strong woman that can do anything.