My work is involved with texture and memory.  I try to keep in

mind and in hand principles of movement and economy, speed and

light, and appreciate interplay between illusory and non-illusory

space and form.  Rhythm matters a great deal-- as does contrast

between areas of quiet and of activity-- as well as exploitation of

accident.  I'm glad for the materials to indicate for themselves

what should happen, what is effective, what isn't, and value the

surprise of each when changed by ground and gravity and liquid,

as well as subsequent choices from among these changes.  

I work with vine and compressed charcoal, pastel, and acrylic

wash with large brushes on heavy hot pressed watercolor paper,

canvas and panel.  

I appreciate still life objects that have meaning for me, either

formally or historically or both, and am encouraged when objects

are able to achieve their own light, which is, I'm finding, often

helped by preservation of collateral negative space, when it's able

to read 'light,' to partner with the subject.

- Mary Hartman, June 2015.