We are excited to welcome in Mary Wagner who joins us for her debut RUN Spectrum along with a massive new collection of original artwork! Wagner says her latest body of work is about finding common ground with contrast and opposites. Read on as Wagner breaks down her latest works and tells us the story behind these hypnotic works. . .
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this series, anything immediate you would like us to highlight about this collection of work as a whole?
Mary Wagner: “Spectrum” is about the hope of finding common ground from polarities … it’s a work of contrasts and opposites. It’s also me making jest of my usual, uptight drawing method … it’s me metaphorically throwing paint at myself.
1x: Tell us about this print image, was it part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did it fit into that given grouping?
Wagner: The ink blot thing is ongoing and fairly new. I’m currently working on canvas iterations and introducing other chance methods of paint application with prescribed color palettes. I see this investigation of opposing drawing styles continuing for some time.
1x: What materials were used to create these original pieces?
Wagner: The original “Spectrum” drawing is on bristol board that’s been folded in half. The underlying drawing is black ballpoint, drawn with the help of my drawing gears which I design and make. Acrylic ink is used for the color overlaying that drawing. Symmetry achieved through folding the page… thanks Dr. Rorschach!
1x: What is unique about this collection compared with your other work?
Wagner: A dose of spontaneity. An abandonment of control. Chance and randomosity embraced. The bulk of my work is planned, practiced and patient.
1x: Why should people buy one of these pieces?
Wagner: It has the full spectrum of colors. So you don’t have to buy a new couch or chairs to match.
1x: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Wagner: A six-by-six foot painting of a bathroom interior in some pretty intense reds and blues by Mark Wagner, my brother. I bought a new red couch to match it. Years later I sawed the couch in half as a performance art piece. The painting now hangs in my dining room—I got blue chairs to match it.
1x: What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Wagner: A James Nolan Gandy drawing machine drawing. And two commissioned ear portraits by Scott Teplin.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Mary Wagner: Website – Instagram @marywagnerinc – Facebook @parametricdrawing
-1xRUN