Mary Bliss Parsons
2015-2017
In 17th Century New England, when Mary Bliss Parsons lived in Northampton, Massachusetts, a witch was thought to (often) be a woman who used her powers to effect good and evil, even making pacts with the devil. Some early Puritans found Mary Bliss Parsons, a member of one of the first families in Northampton, problematic: a woman of middle age, mother of 11 children (most of whom had the unusual fortune to reach adulthood), she was savvy with her money, and known to speak her mind. Her neighbors called her a witch and accused her of misdeeds toward animals and people. She was imprisoned and brought to trial for witchcraft decades before the more famous Salem Witch trials. In the MBP series, I explore the confusing and contradictory rumors and accusations against Mary Bliss Parsons.
Mary Bliss Parsons Watercolor, 78” x 42”.
Mary Bliss Parsons, paper, fabric, thread and ink, 110" x 70" x 48"
Mary Bliss Parsons, detail
Mary Bliss Parsons, detail
The Great She-Goat: Mary Bliss Parsons, watercolor and mixed media, 24” x 36”, Mary was believed to be responsible for the death of some of her neighbor's livestock, including bewitching a rattlesnake to bite the tongue of an ox resulting in the oxen's death.
The Great She-Goat: Mary Bliss Parsons, etched mirror
Accusation, watercolor 28" x 42"
Gathering, watercolor, 22" x 36"
Nocturnal Rambles: Fly my Pretties, Watercolor, 79” x 36”. Mary was accused on numerous occasions by a male neighbor of walking around after dark.
Night Flight, watercolor and graphite on paper mounted on canvas, 67” x 42”, A neighbor of Mary Bliss Parsons, George Colton reported that he would follow Mary around at night with out her knowledge and on one occasion she walked through water up to the knees, he became wet while she stayed perfectly dry.