In existential mathematics, experience takes the form of two basic equations: the degree of slowness is directly proportional to the intensity of memory; the degree of speed is directly proportional to the intensity of forgetting. - excerpt from Slowness by Milan Kundera, 1996
For many years I worked with the idea of Silence as a state of mind; exploring the means of bringing order to chaos. In my work I sought to create a temporal environment for transcending into silence through artists' books, prints, paintings, drawings, sculptures, sound, and installation work. In the year 2000 my ideas turned to the abstract notion of Time, which, like Silence, is purely rhetorical rather than factual in its definition. Although the events of September 11, 2001 did not predicate the change in my work, they did have a powerful impact. For me Time stopped that day, and then it shifted, evidenced by the remarks of Daniel Shore, political commentator of National Public Radio, when he referred to our recent history as 9/11+1, 9/11+2, 9/11+3. This shift in our abstract notion of Time has become a primary focus in my studio work.
In the fall of 2005 I began painting 10,000 Tears, a project which is ongoing. I believe this action is an important tool to reflect upon, and perhaps, reach a level of understanding for the chaotic environmental, social and political global climate. 10,000 Tears is a project that seeks to explore a visual structure to what is often inexpressible with a language that is universal in its symbolism. This action led to a series of prints and artists books in which water is pooling, overflowing, diverting and escaping. The water in turn becomes the substance or source of reflection. My methodology has become a meditative action allowing me a vehicle of transcendence, albeit temporary. This means of transcendence is something I actively sought while working with Silence.
Biography
Mary Hood, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mary currently resides in Tempe Arizona where she is an Assistant Professor of Art/Printmaking at Arizona State University. Previously she taught at Carnegie Mellon University and University of North Texas as a Visiting Professor. Mary’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally earning her awards, residencies, and other honors. Mary’s work focuses on concepts such as Silence, Time and Space, Identity and Experience.
