Episode 5 - The Human Experience with MaryLea Harris

Discover the layered and deeply human world of artist MaryLea Harris in Your Art Here: The Human Experience. MaryLea explores the stories we carry beneath the surface—the grief, resilience, joy, and complexity that often remain unseen by others. In this thoughtful conversation, she reflects on art as an act of resistance in a culture that prizes productivity over presence, and on the importance of making things with our hands as a way of reconnecting with ourselves and one another. Her work invites us to look beyond appearances, remembering that every person is carrying a story we cannot fully know. Ultimately, this episode is a reflection on art’s unique ability to bridge distance, cultivate empathy, and draw us back into our shared humanity. Artist Bio: MaryLea is a full-time visual artist specializing in painting, mixed media, sculptural books, and fiber arts. She and her husband have a passion for real estate, they are the co-owners of Central Oregon’s original green, Net Zero energy, custom home builder, Solaire Homebuilders. When she’s not meeting with clients to plan their dream homes, she can be found designing and renovating beautiful vacation rental homes or in her studio painting! She is a parent, educator, and published author. With over 20 years in the field of Arts Education, MaryLea has authored multiple art lesson ebooks for teachers and caregivers of children. Learn more at www.maryleaharrisart.com Directed, Filmed & Edited by Becca Breed (formerly Bec Ellis) www.instagram.com/beccabreed_photo www.bec-ellis.com