About the Exhibit

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in our own busy minds: past regrets, future anxieties, and unchecked boxes of bottomless to-do lists. Nonthought is a healthy alternative—a state of calm presence, free from the usual stream of mental chatter—achieved thru mindfulness practices like guilt-free play. In his new exhibit “Nurtured Nonthought,” artist Jacob Evan Smith, aka MazySuzan, explores the enormous power of pausing to appreciate the present moment, getting lost in play, and letting our imaginations run wild.

Research shows that free play improves mood, spurs creativity, stimulates brain growth, and so much more. Play is a mindset, not a specific activity. We’re each born with an innate drive to play, but many of us get separated from this wisdom as adults. Luckily, it’s within reach for all!

“Nurtured Nonthought” explores these ideas using flowing designs, interactive objects, and an enthusiastic invitation to unleash your inner artist with our stencil station or snapping photos thru the mazy viewfinder. The designs use organic curves and amorphous shapes to evoke the illusion of playful motion. Many incorporate elements of a maze, but without a discernible starting point or endpoint, symbolizing the joy of play for play’s sake, emphasizing the significance of the journey over the destination, and encouraging the viewer to wonder as you wander. The six “Turing Shapes” pay homage to the process thru which beautiful, repeating patterns emerge in nature.

As you meander thru the gallery, reflect: In what ways can I nurture my nonthought?

See exhibit catalog for purchasing info.