Mary Mangos is a Melbourne-based disabled abstract artist living with Long Covid. She creates nature-inspired abstract art when her health and energy allow, working within the limits of a significantly reduced and fluctuating capacity.
Inspired by the restorative qualities of nature, Mary’s work explores colour, movement and light, with the intention of bringing a sense of joy, calm and sanctuary into the home.
Working with layered acrylics, expressive mark-making and luminous colour, she draws inspiration from blossoms, coastal light and the changing seasons. Her paintings celebrate movement, texture and the beauty of the natural world, creating pieces that feel both uplifting and timeless.
Art has been part of Mary’s life for many years. She first studied art in Year 12 and continued to return to it over the years whenever time permitted, alongside her professional career.
Before becoming unwell, Mary worked as a Psychologist, corporate wellbeing coach and meditation teacher, and is the author of Finding Your Well-Being. Her background in psychology and wellbeing continues to influence the way she thinks about colour, emotion and the environments we create.
After developing Long Covid, Mary’s life changed significantly and her creative practice took on new meaning. Art became an important way of reconnecting with joy, slowing down and noticing beauty in everyday moments.
Mary creates only when her health and energy permit, carefully pacing creative activity around the substantial rest and recovery her body requires. Art is a meaningful hobby and creative outlet that she pursues within her available capacity, rather than something she is able to undertake on a regular or sustained basis. It also provides a way for her to deepen her mindfulness practice, connect with the present moment and nurture her own sense of wellbeing.
A small number of Mary’s works are held in private collections, and she has participated in selected art shows and group exhibitions. Her creative practice continues to evolve slowly and organically, guided by nature, curiosity and what her health allows.