ARTIST STATEMENT + BIO

In my practice, I use symbolic imagery to explore my sense of intimate and subconscious connection to transpersonal forces. I create portals into my subconscious through archetypal icons— acting as narratives that reflect investigations of emotional activation, altered states of consciousness, and experiences of release from physical and psychological limitations into a more accessible and exploratory connection with myself and the world at large.

Inspired by Jungian philosophy, mythology, and esoteric spirituality, I examine the feelings and sensory experiences associated with symbols, both within and outside their traditional presentations. My experience of the power of symbols compels my investigation into how architectural elements, form, color, and light are traditionally and personally associated with notions of divine presence.

My artwork includes small and large-scale drawings, oil paintings, and collages on paper and canvas. In the series of collages titled Stellium (2022) I alter the compositional context by framing, cropping, and reassembling original works, merging ethereal and tangible content within a single space. Collapsing seemingly objective elements into a singular field of awareness---I can capture the subjective experiences of the other-worldly moments in my life. I use vibrant color and, at times, employ a humorous and cartoon-like characterization of familiar icons to disarm conventional symbolic expression. This is evident in the bird portraits Freeman (2021) and Joseph (2022) and in the figurative piece titled Jersey Shore (2022), in which I place the ascension of a religious figure within a garden store display. Oasis (2022) is a collection of smaller watercolor renderings of various sacred sites and mythological iconographies.

( b. 1982, Brooklyn, NY)

Mary Whitlock is a multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. She studied painting and drawing at Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy, and worked as an apparel and surface designer in NY and Asia for over a decade. Recently she attended residency in India, where she studied Ayurveda and participated in a clinical internship at a birthing center. Mary currently works in the community as a doula, and teaches knitwear and apparel design part-time at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.

Trestle Studio #48

For inquires contact: maryadamswhitlock@gmail.com