My recent artist interview about my ink blot painting/drawing works with Pietro Truba of 1X Run. The artist interview is in conjunction with the release of a limited edition of 25 prints of my painting/drawing “Spectrum” the print is only available for a two week window beginning April 2, 2018, so it’s only available for a few more days. Original drawings are also being offered by 1X Run along with the print.

“Spectrum”

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: 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.

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.