In her cozy home kitchen in Flower Mound, surrounded by a myriad of tools and a hearty dusting of flour, you’ll find Mary Jo Mazur transforming simple dough into intricate works of art. Her journey into the world of pasta making isn’t just about food; it’s a story of resilience, creativity and joy. In February 2023, while the world outside continued its usual hustle, Mary Jo found herself in a different rhythm. Confined to her home for three weeks due to health reasons, she needed something to occupy her time and engage her mind. Little did she know that this period of recovery would mark the beginning of a creative journey that would transform her into a pasta artist, captivating both her own imagination and the hearts of her growing online community.
A Spark of Inspiration
Mary Jo’s venture into pasta making began unexpectedly after discovering the work of Linda Nicholson, a Seattle-based pasta artist. Inspired by Nicholson’s vibrant creations, and recognizing her need for an outlet during her respite, Mary Jo decided to experiment with pasta art herself. Valentine’s Day provided the perfect occasion for her first attempt: red-wine-striped ravioli. Although her initial efforts were far from perfect, the joy of creating something new and experimenting with colors and patterns was the real reward. Each pasta batch became a new canvas and with practice, her confidence and skills improved.
A Legacy of Tradition
Mary Jo’s love for pasta is deeply rooted in her childhood memories. Growing up in a large Irish-Italian family, Sundays and Tuesdays were dedicated to pasta. Sundays were for fresh pasta, homemade sauce and meatballs, while Tuesdays were for leftovers, with Mary Jo and her siblings vying for the best bites. These meals were more than just food—they were lively gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting aroma of homemade sauce, becoming the backdrop of some of Mary Jo’s most cherished memories. These early experiences shaped her passion for pasta and influenced her approach to her art. Every piece of pasta she creates is infused with a sense of nostalgia, honoring the past while embracing the present.
The Artistic Process
The world around Mary Jo plays a significant role in her creative process. She finds inspiration everywhere, from the vibrant blooms of the local flower mound, to global events like the 2024 Olympics, which inspired her to create an Olympic-themed series, including gold medal ravioli and Eiffel Tower lasagna sheets. “My mind, it doesn’t stop,” Mary Jo shares. “When I walk at the gym on the track, I see fettuccine noodles. When I visit craft stores at Christmas, all I can think about is, ‘How would I make that with pasta?’ Often, my pastas have a story behind them or people who have inspired them, like the gender reveal pasta for my grandson or the sunshine ravioli for one of my students’ National Broadway Tour of Annie.”
Her approach to pasta making is unique. She uses vegan powders like butterfly pea flower powder, black cocoa, and beetroot, along with vegetable purees, to color her dough, creating vibrant hues. Her tools range from simple items like a gnocchi board and basic ravioli maker to more specialized, artisan tools like Sardinian brass cutters and handmade wooden molds.
The Birth of "Nothing’s imPASTAble"
As Mary Jo’s pasta art evolved, so did the reactions of those around her. Friends and family were often astonished by her creations, exclaiming, “That’s not pasta!” or “Is that really pasta?” These reactions inspired the name of her Instagram page, “Nothing’s imPASTAble,” which perfectly captures the spirit of her work—transforming the seemingly impossible into something not just possible, but beautiful.
Growth and the Joy of Sharing
Mary Jo’s pasta art has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly on Instagram. Her creations often elicit comments like, “That just made me smile,” or, “That made me laugh.” For Mary Jo, this feedback is invaluable. She hopes her work encourages others to follow their passions, no matter their age or experience level. “You’re never too old to try anything and see where it leads,” she says. Pasta making has become more than just a hobby for her—it’s a form of relaxation, almost therapeutic, offering joy while being challenging and rewarding at the same time. Through Instagram, she has also immersed herself in a vibrant community of pasta makers, exchanging ideas, techniques and encouragement with fellow artists who share her passion for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Though she doesn’t sell her pasta, Mary Jo loves sharing it through gifts and ministry meals. She also enjoys teaching basic pasta-making classes that empower others to create something beautiful for their families.
Looking Forward
As she looks to the future, Mary Jo is excited about the possibilities ahead. She dreams of continuing to challenge herself creatively and exploring new techniques. Mary Jo also finds herself longing for the chance to spend time in Sardinia. Often, she says, she will laughingly tell her husband that wishes to be a “pasta granny,” spending her days along the old cobbled roads, making her pasta by hand in the idealized, traditional way. For now, she’s content to keep experimenting, sharing her art with the world and finding new ways to bring joy through her pasta creations.
In a fast-paced world, Mary Jo Mazur’s pasta art is a reminder to slow down, savor the process and find beauty in the simplest things - showing us that it’s never too late to discover a new passion.
Visit Mary Jo's Instagram page @nothingsimpastable_texas to contact her about pasta making classes and to see her latest creations.