There are years that ask questions and years that answer. – Zora Neale Hurston
Todo Cambia (Everything Changes)
encaustic mixed media
8×8 inches
The painting above was the last painting I created in 2012. The original image that I used as the base of this painting is a photograph that I took at the very end of summer, early fall. When the chives on our deck garden had run their course and all that was left were dried chive flower stems. Always attracted to things that are old and worn, I immediately felt the need to gather the stems and line them up on the worn out wood of the deck.
I worked on the painting a few months later and got it to a stage that I liked the direction it was going and it actually could have been finished. But I always felt like it needed more. More depth. Just something more.
At that time I also started to experiment a bit with Catalyst Silicone tools that I was first told about by Jenny Learner (see her video on that same page), and then discussed in more detail with Virginia Cofer, who was so kind to let me experiment with some of the silicone brushes and wedges in my studio. I plan to write a more in depth post about my experience with those tools, but I did use them to create those marks in the paint, right below the image.
Fast forward to last week- I added more paint, some glazes here and there, and also nailed in some tacks. Since I paint on wood panels, it’s very easy to add things to the surface. And I love combining metal with wax.
The title of this piece was inspired by one of my most favorite songs by Mercedes Sosa- it’s a song fills me with joy and makes me want to weep at the same time. (i’m so dramatic, I know) Here is a link to the translation of the lyrics. The translation loses the poetry of the lyrics, of course.
Mercedes Sosa was a beloved singer from Argentina, and while this song has a political basis of being exiled from her country (I believe), I respond to the message of how everything in life changes. Nothing remains the same. Those words comfort me, even while at the same time, I feel sad at the loss.
“That which is superficial changes
Also that which is profound
the way of thinking changes
Everything in this world changes
The weather changes as the years go by
The shepherd changes his flock
and just as everything changes
the fact that I change it’s not in the least strange…”
As I’ve mentioned before, 2012 was a year of changes and transitions. The transitioning isn’t over yet, and the answers still unclear. But I have a feeling 2013 will bring clarity.
As for my art intentions for 2013- keeping it simple again. Show up. Work. Pay attention.
I have the show to prepare for in April, and I was invited to participate in a group show in May up in Wisconsin. So I have plenty to keep me busy and motivated.
Those tools look interesting. I might try some to see about creating textures for my monoprints.
in my opinion roberta, the best use for the tools with encaustic is doing monoprints. You can make wonderful patterns on the hot palette with them as the material withstands heat.
Very nice!
thanks Pam
So glad I found you. I am experimenting with painting on photos; thank you for sharing your process…I’m intrigued!
Thanks for visiting Monica. Do you use encaustic with your photos or something else. I started out with using acrylics with my photos. love them both.
Bridgette,
When I looked at your year-end mosaic, this was the encaustic that really stood out for me. I’m going to try to pick up one or two of these tools to try with my photo-encaustics. Very cool. Thanks!
Thanks Mary. If you want, email me if you have any questions about which tool to get. As someone who likes my surfaces really smooth, I had a hard time with the brushes, using them traditionally as brushes. Which is why I ended up using them to make marks in my warm wax. But if you are into doing monoprints off of a heated palette, then I highly recommend them.
Welcome to a new year Bridgette. I love your art, as you know…but I also love your posts. They are always thought provoking and meaningful. Congratulations and good luck prepping for the upcoming exhibitions. One day i would love to be at one of your openings!
Thanks so much Seth. I hope our paths cross this year….
i just love your artwork… i have favourited several on etsy 🙂
don’t know if 2013 will be a year of questions or answers… i suspect the latter…
happy new year!
Thanks Claire, I appreciate your words and your favoriting 🙂
Happy new year to you too