1xRUN Thru Interview
Hairy & Scary by Mary Williams
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this new series of work.
Mary Williams: This series was inspired by a true crime magazine, the death of an internet cat sensation, current events involving guns, street art, and aliens. Each piece follows a strange train of thought about things I value and topics that concern us all. I like to celebrate the absurdity of life in my work. I believe this is my most diverse and interesting run yet.
1xRUN: What materials did you print on and drawn with?
Mary Williams: I collage my own drawings with found objects, magazines, and fancy art paper. My work is always drawn on BFK Rives paper in graphite.
1xRun: When were these pieces created?
Mary Williams: These are all from early 2014.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about for this series.
Mary Williams: I started out making historical drawings such as John Wilkes Booth’s gun and an old electric chair. Then this man in Dearborn shot a 19 year old black woman in the face when she knocked on his door for help, so I was inspired to make another ‘neighborhood watch’ piece. I had made one before while the George Zimmerman trial was happening. Also Colonel Meow, the world’s fluffiest cat, passed away which influenced some powerful cat images. Finally I saw an ad for a new iPhone that looked like the card my birth control pills come packaged in. I had to take advantage of that goofy coincidence and make a fun feminist piece about it.
1xRun: How long did this series take?
Mary Williams: About 2 months, with most of the work happening within a frenzied 3 week period.
1xRun: Why should people buy these pieces?
Mary Williams: Each one has a story, and if you don’t see it you can make up your own! Art is for everyone.
1xRun: Describe this series in one gut reaction word.
Mary Williams: Quirky.
1xRun: Any new artist since your last run that have been inspiring you?
Mary Williams: I met Carolyn Weber, a local Detroit area artist, in the spring. She makes stunning pastels and delightful little graphite drawings. Her work is both high fashion and high fun. And Shark Toof, who is a big deal street artist. I didn’t know who he was before I went to his show, and I came away buying some work. There was a piece with kitties on it that I had to have.
1xRun: What are your plans for 2014, anything special coming up that you’d like to share?
Mary Williams: I’m working on a skull series that I hope to have finished by the end of summer. And I am also working on some feminist/princess collages which I am very excited about. I would like to apply to some residencies; its nice to get out from my usual surroundings and make art in a new space.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Mary Williams: Facebook