Mary Wahr

Statement

I am an experimental artist. My work is inspired by fractals. Each piece of art is original and unique and begins with paint pressed between two surfaces. When those surfaces are separated a fractal bifurcating image is created. These images are then enhanced through the removal of paint and the enhancement of dimensions by applying paint and colored pencil. Most pieces are 20 x 26 inches and created on Yupo, a synthetic paper. I began this work while receiving my Masters in Art Education. My thesis was, 'The Art of Fractals for the Mathematically Challenged'. Although mathematically challenged, I understand the concepts of what creates a fractal and use my art to bring this knowledge to the public. Art is a gateway.

Artworks

This print is a good example of how the paint wants to create a fractal pattern when the surfaces of paper and printing plate are separated. There are many shapes that are self similar and building upon themselves to create a fractal. If there were enough paper and time they would each into infinity.

This pieces was created by inserting bamboo skewers in between the paper and the printing surface. This created a different kind of fractal pattern when the surfaces were separated. Once the print is pulled it is enhanced using colored pencil. This brings out the depth in the piece.