Biography

Biographical Information

TJ Mabrey’s life and work is far-reaching. After one year in Central America, following her marriage to J Stephen Mabrey, the couple returned to Dallas, Texas where TJ studied with Master Sculptor Octavio Medellin for four years. In 1980 she established a carving studio in Pietrasanta, Italy where she worked for 2-3 months annually. In 1986 her husband's work in the U.S. Foreign Service took them to Singapore where TJ worked and exhibited before they settled in Cairo, Egypt in 1988. During her four years in Cairo she worked in a stone studio near the pyramids and organized four exhibits of her work.

During these years, TJ continued her annual trip to Italy, even after returning to the US in 1992 when she and Stephen established their home and TJ's studio in Central Texas. In 2011 the time came to close her Italian studio and move, with her husband, to Taos, New Mexico, USA. TJ opened Studio Santiago in Taos, New Mexico in May 2014.

Mabrey’s designs and sculptures are prominent in private collections in the United States, Canada, The Netherlands, Egypt, Lebanon, Italy, and the Orient.

Portrait of TJ Mabrey briefly at rest by J R Compton

Personal

Born in Eagle Lake, Texas

Education

1964 Graduated Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Arts

JJ McVicker Award for Outstanding Senior Portfolio

Four Years study with Master Sculptor Octavio Medellin, Dallas, Texas

Teaching

Dallas Arts Magnet School, Sculpture.

Summer workshops in Clay Sculpture, Hollow Construction.
Atelier Four Winds, Aureille, France.  2000, 2006.