Meet Mary Syring | Artist , Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Syring and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
This quote has been rattling around so much in my head lately that I’ve even performed a set about it at this point.

“You’re a ghost driving a meat-coated skeleton, made from stardust, on a rock, hurtling through space. Fear nothing”

It’s such a dry some-what comical yet grounding definitive quote to me. My interpretation is it’s saying, your existence is already made up of the impossible, and the universe is so much bigger than what one can truly comprehend; so hey, why not do right by you? Do what you love to do. You’re already doing it just by walking around living every day. Who cares if your art or message isn’t always heard or understood by others, that’s not what life should be about. Just focus on how your work pertains to your own personal growth and self expression. Every day that you wake up and dare to just be the little weirdo that you are is a day well spent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to my art, it has been and will continue to be a long winding journey of self expression and discovery for me. I’ve always been interested in history, fables, human connection and historical fashion, and feel whether I intend for them to or not, these subjects will always find their way into my work. Currently I’m primarily interested in exploring gradients in my pieces, this goes both in the technical and philosophical sense. Usually, I’ll start with a calculated idea on paper, and slowly let all its little details and story unfold for me while I work on it. My go-to when describing my work is it’s inspired by historical fashion and connections with feminist and queer undertones. I love telling a story.
I used to create quite differently when I was starting out, a professor at my college ingrained into my head that I could never have a career as a pen and ink artist. I let that quote dig into me for many years while I struggled to paint and find my style. During this time I’d skate by doing some gallery and illustrative work, and although those pieces still hold a special place in my heart, I never quite felt like they were “me”. Those years were hard but necessary.
The day I realized I wasn’t happy with my path and decided to change it and go back to exploring the medium I had first connected with, ink, is when everything started falling into place. My motivation to create came back. It was an amazing feeling.

Personally, I feel it’s important to hold onto your favorite mediums regardless of influence, keep them as your baseline. Then why not have some fun and stretch your style in all directions? There will absolutely be some trials and errors but no matter what they’ll give you a better understanding of your technique. Figuring out who you are as an artist is hard work but so rewarding and freeing when it presents itself to you. Everyone has their “light-bulb” moment, and the beauty of it is it’ll constantly be growing and changing during your life, and you’ll find yourself excited to follow the flow.

As for my exploration into acting/film, much of what I listed above goes hand in hand with how I feel about the craft of performing. It’s another exciting medium to pursue and have fun with. There’s something so unique about connecting with a character or another actor in a scene. I love watching people lose themselves in a role, it’s so inspiring. It takes hard work, dedication and grace to do that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a little San Franciscan transplant, so I’ve been learning as I go.

– I would absolutely have to take my buddy to Hollywood Forever Cemetery, it’s beautiful and they also host outdoor movie nights there during the summer.

– I’m a museum/bookstore/cup of tea kind of a ham, so I can’t not recommend a visit to The Getty Museum, their collection will knock your socks off.
Speaking of art, we’d have to check out what’s currently exhibiting at Corey Helford Gallery, Copro Gallery, or Gallery Nucleus as well.

– Love getting lost in “The Last Bookstore” on Spring St. or “Kinokuniya Books” in Little Tokyo Village.

– Bearded Lady Vintage and Oddities shop, The Mystic Museum, or Slashback video all located in Burbank on Magnolia ave., are also some of my favorite nooks to visit.

– There’s a wonderful series of record stores I’ll happily drag my pal to. But if feeling nostalgic for the Bay Area, we can hit Amoeba Records. Always a treat.

– As for tea, I’m lucky that I can score an English breakfast tea practically anywhere, but oh boy is LA a place of unique coffee shops. The line at “Community Goods” coffee is something to behold but their matcha latte is probably my favorite in the city so far and worth the wait.

– Not in the city itself but worth the drive is “Burnt Umber” coffee in Garden Grove. It’s like walking into a haunted victorian parlor with insanely delicious beverages and treats to boot. I had the opportunity to collab with them on a halloween illustration and themed drink last fall, my favorite part was getting to spend all day there enjoying the cozy vibe while trying every drink on the menu. I left there well caffeinated.

– “The Wolves” (conveniently located around the corner from the last bookstore), is a great place to grab a cocktail or small bite, the antique aesthetic makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

– I’m still working my way through restaurants but so far I’m in love with the fondue etc. at Marcel Bistro at the historic original farmers market on third and Fairfax. If fondue isn’t their fancy there’s also loads of options all around that market.

– Laurel Hardware on Santa Monica Blvd has a great happy hour too! It was formerly a hardware store hence the name.

– Pinocchio Restaurant is also a tasty classic spot on Magnolia Ave, give me all that ravioli please.

– I couldn’t let a friend visit me and not take them to Foxblood clothing on Melrose Ave. to do some wardrobe shopping.

– Next I’d most likely take them to a comedy show. The Improv theater is close by to where I’m based in the city, they host an array of wonderful comedians. There are other theaters I’m hoping to check out throughout my time in LA as well.

After that we’re hanging out on the couch and quoting Titanic or watching the latest documentary on Orcas. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. But I will ply them with cookies and order pizza so they don’t book a sooner flight out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have met so many genuine, kind, supportive and wondrous people throughout my life. People that have seen in me what I sometimes couldn’t at different stages in my career, people that have believed in and given me a shot at stretching my wings.

-Kim Larson and Bradley Platz, artists and founders of Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco, Ca –

Kim and Bradley offered me my first solo exhibit. Since then I’ve had a total of three solo exhibits with these two fabulous humans at Modern Eden. The care and precision Kim and Brad put into every detail of their business forever inspires me. Modern Eden will always feel like my home base and where my career as an artist truly unfolded.

-Melissa Thompson Esaia- founder of Empowerhouse Acting Studio, Berkeley, Ca-

Melissa is one hell of a human. She is the driving force behind Empowerhouse Acting Studio, and who I have to thank for helping me to find my truth, relax, and ground myself in my performances. She gave me the courage and confidence to tackle not only my experiences on stage and on camera, but also behind the scenes in my daily life. She is a strong, talented, fiercely passionate, nurturing and dedicated individual.

– Lindsay Hearts – founder of Foxblood clothing- Los Angeles, Ca

What started out as two people supporting each others crafts online, blossomed into one of my most cherished friendships. Lindsay gave me a shot at some of my very first collaborative opportunities with a clothing line. I began as one of the postcard artists for Foxblood, and have since had the pleasure of collaborating on other pieces with her and her stunning designs. Lindsay’s sharp thinking and ingenious creativity are a marvel to witness. She is hands-on in every venture she tackles, I am constantly inspired by her.

Website: www.marysyringart.com , www.marysyringacts.com

Instagram: @marysyring

Image Credits
Clip from short film “Tempting Fate”- Written and directed by Addie Tweet “Hysteria” Comedy stand up- San Francisco, Ca. Clip from short film “Always, Sophia” – Written and directed by Athena Cheris