OK, this is kind of cheating b/c I’ve written about her before.  But whatever, when I re-do Paperpetual.com I’ll probably delete that journal, so here it is again.  And besides, she’s great enough to merit more than one entry of regard.  You see, Mary Temple is one of those artists of whom I am quite genuinely jealous.  This jealousy doesn’t spring particularly from her making something spectacular that I can’t help but wish I had the skill and audacity to complete (although this is certainly part of it).  It’s more because she’s doing exactly what I’d love to be doing; her work is a better version of some of the projects I’ve tackled over my last couple years of undergrad!

It’s one thing to discover another artist who makes work very similar to your own.  Realizing that someone else has already done a project you’re considering can be a let down, but half the time the circumstances are different, and it can give you a bit of fuel to go out and make your version better.  But Mary Temple is different.

Her shadow work isn’t an exact replica of an idea I’ve had – it’s more of a more eloquent and direct interpretation of the same things I wanted to discuss in my work.  It’s similar to some of the things I’ve worked with (most specifically hand puppet series as well as my brown center shadow installation), only better.  And if I could have thought on it longer, I’m sure I might have traveled in the same direction as Mary Temple.  Her work is what I wish I could have done, what I wish I could be doing!  It’s frustrating, but also kind of amazing.  I’ve been inspired by a multitude of artists over the past coupe of years, but it’s positively scary how akin I feel to her work.  It’s like we’re sharing brain waves!

Mary Temple, www.marytemple.com!