Presented by Brenna Parker (Think Round Fine Arts)

You Will Find by Mary Southall

Mary Southall was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, where she spent much of her time exploring the countryside. Both of her parent’s roles had in some way influenced Mary’s desire to become an artist. Her father was a farmer and rancher, and exposed her to the wide open space which ultimately fueled the imagination of her subject matter. Mary’s mother was a technical draftsman by trade, and her artistic background was something Mary was inspired to pursue as well.

Mary earned a BFA degree from Texas State University. She then joined Cibola Studio/Gallery Cooperative where she later became the studio and gallery director. Mary eventually co-founded Acme Art Gallery in downtown Austin before continuing her career in San Francisco.

Southall joined the Hunter’s Point Shipyard community in 1990. She worked with other local artists completing murals within the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood, and later worked with Heidi Hardin (Think Round’s executive director) on the Children’s Mural Program.

Think Round’s 3D Virtual Exhibition, Pieced Together, features 19 mixed media collages provided by Mary Southall. These collages are bold in color, reflective of Mary’s past and each one tells a unique story to the viewer.

“The idea behind this series is that there are slivers or snippets of information, and as you go around the wheel, you’re getting a little bit of a story.”

When asked about the vibrant choice of colors used in each collage, Mary responded, “My palette is really reflective from where I grew up.” She mentions the brightness of the light in her childhood, and reflects that through to her work.

Pieced Together includes six pieces from Mary’s Snippet Series.

“The idea behind this series is that there are slivers or snippets of information, and as you go around the wheel, you’re getting a little bit of a story.” The narrative is the most important element to Mary when showcasing this series. She wants to tell a story, but also allows the viewer to decide his/her own story within the piece.

“My palette is really reflective from where I grew up.”

There are six square striped works featured in this exhibition which include Mary’s mother’s vintage postcards. They are symbolic towards Mary’s relationship to her past, travelling, and reflecting on the places she would visit growing up.

Three larger pieces are additionally included from Mary’s Sojourn Series. These large wheels (48” x 48”) represent the idea of “telling a story within a round wheel, based on the idea of short travels” Mary states. They all contain images of historic women figures such as Amelia Earhart, Mata Hari and Harriet Tubman.

Overall, Mary Southall hopes that those who view her distinctive works can find a story for themselves, and discover it on their own.

Think Round’s current 3D virtual exhibition, Pieced Together, features four Hunters Point Shipyard collage artists located within the San Francisco Bay Area; Mary Southall, Marc Ellen Hamel, Heidi Hardin, and Kim Smith.

Don’t miss a chance to see Mary’s mixed media collages in Think Round’s current exhibition, Pieced Together.

Brightness of the Light: Mary Southall on her collection in display at Think Round Fine Arts

“The idea behind this series is that there are slivers or snippets of information, and as you go around the wheel, you’re getting a little bit of a story.”

“My palette is really reflective from where I grew up.”