Doors to the Inside

 

A  recent group of small paintings each 6" x 6", encaustic and mixed media on ceramic, before framing.

COLOR

Recently in an interview I was asked about my use of color in my work and although I gave a spontaneous answer I like this one from Matisse much better.

With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.
Henri Matisse

Can ART change the world?

Recently I had a show at the Equinox Village Gallery and in the sign-in, comments book that was there for patrons and viewers there was a comment from a man I didn't know but it said...Looking at your work is so peaceful.  This stuck with me, bringing up alternating thoughts of "oh no, my work is not in your face, punchy, controversial enough" to "wow, I was able to transmit peaceful energy to someone through my painting."
I stayed with the latter and decided to use it to spur me on, to continue "my challenge", combining the 3 interests that have stayed upper most for me.....painting, yoga and gaining in a communication with plants by growing them.

Special thanks to that gentleman for his comment.

Looking for the Essence

 

My newest work is shown in these 2 paintings. They are each 12"x12" mixed media. With each I wanted to combine  my interest in the natural forces that remain larger and more powerful than any one human being with imagery and materials that speak to the same. The top image incorporates encaustic medium, oil pastels, altered images and carving in about 12 layers.

The bottom painting uses similar combinations along with dried eggshells.

Show Open at Equinox Village Gallery until March 12

Some of the work being shown:

New Additions

 

My most recent exploration of encaustic painting became a journey in control.  The medium lends itself to abstraction with the fluidity created by working with heat and wax . This time I set out to try different painting techniques within the confines of the medium. These 2 "Grazing" and "Red Onions" are the results. You say "Why red onions?".....I say because " I grew them, dried them on the porch and ate them."

An ancient medium

 

Since I've been experimenting and using encaustic paint and technique it has caused a flurry of questions from those who view my work. The above 3 portraits are from a group called the Fayoum portraits which are of Greek and Roman origin. Painted when the subject is alive they are buried with the subject who has been mummified. The bottom one reminds me of a Modigliani painting.

Wow, to wax, women & work wonder.

being at a workshop for almost a week is first of all intense and amazing. the rest of your life is pushed aside as you’ve given yourself permission to experiment with process. everyday new demos by a generous teacher gives you once again ideas, materials and inspiration to create for the joy of it. and then there are others in the room doing the same, allowing, trying, doing…..the energy builds, you might explode but you want instead to do more, to see how you can edit all that information.

this was a workshop hosted by north country studio workshops at bennington college with daniella woolf teaching “encaustics with a textile sensibility”. WONDERFUL………………………………………………………………………………….

this is just a small showing of images i gathered from our workshop and others going on around us…..with thanks to the teacher and the various students whose images are being shown.