Hello! I'm Mary Kozmor, a digital and acrylic artist based in Hancock, MI, with a deep love for storytelling. I believe stories are the threads that bind together traditions, cultures, and people. My art celebrates fantastical mythology, the occult, multicultural folklore, and iconic literature brought to life. I am especially drawn to the quiet, spell-like moments within these tales, the small flickers of wonder, intention, and hidden meaning that feel a little like magik.

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In many of my pieces, I incorporate an I Spy–style approach, filling my paintings with hidden details, symbolic objects, and tiny narrative clues that carry deeper meaning. I love creating artwork that rewards curiosity and invites viewers to look closer, discover new details, and get lost in the story behind the imagery. More than anything, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and adventure, encouraging viewers to get lost in my work.

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When I'm not immersed in art, my free time becomes a canvas of its own. Originally from Downriver, MI, I have spent the past decade living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where I am endlessly inspired by the beauty of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. My studio, where my husband Kevin often serves as a reference model, is also home to our two cats, Bolin and Knives, who add their own creative chaos by knocking over paint brushes and rearranging supplies. In the evenings, we unwind with the Twilight Saga and go down YouTube rabbit holes, finding inspiration even in those unexpected moments.

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A Note on My Process and AI:

Because I work across digital and traditional mediums, I care about being transparent about my tools and my process. None of my artwork is created by AI. Every piece is hand-painted or digitally drawn by yours truly.

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I do believe artists have a responsibility to question whether AI can be used ethically at all, especially when it comes to environmental impact, labor, and the use of unconsented or stolen work. I do not think AI is going away, and ignoring it will not resolve its ethical or environmental issues, so artists need to stay involved and informed and model careful, limited use to show how it might be engaged with responsibly in practice.

 

​For example, in my own work, I've used AI for specific tasks such as receiving feedback on concepts, dictation, and organizing thoughts during the research phase. It has been especially helpful for me as someone with dyslexia, building confidence in my writing through tools like dictation, where I can speak my ideas and see them clearly translated into text. The artwork I create is always hand-painted by me. AI should not replace art, but it can serve as a modern tool that allows artists to devote more attention to the parts of creation they value most. I do not claim to have all the answers, and I may even be wrong, but history shows that new tools in art are often met with fear or rejection before artists experiment, adapt, and redefine their use. For that reason, I believe it is more productive to engage thoughtfully, question both the benefits and harms, and work toward better solutions than to avoid the conversation altogether.

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If you’d like to see how my pieces come to life, visit the Process tab or follow along on my Instagram and other social media, where I share timelapses, process photos, and videos.