visions of home, mixed media and encaustic, 5×7 inches
This is another piece created using plaster and encaustic. I put the finishing touch on it this afternoon. Top right corner. I had posted a work-in-progress photo of this painting a few posts ago, so you can see an earlier version before I added the wax.
I wanted to note that the first time I saw plaster and wax together was at Trish Seggebruch’s house. She had a beautiful piece of art sitting on her desk and I was just drawn to it and asked her about it. She told me that it was encaustic on top of plaster and said that it was a gift from a friend of hers…who turned out to be Stephanie Lee. Which was why when I saw that Stephanie was going to teach a workshop on plaster, I jumped to take it. I couldn’t get that piece out of my head.
You can see how encaustic really adds that glow. Well, I don’t know if it really translates all that well on screen. But to my eye, it does. And one of the reasons why I fell in love with encaustic as a medium to work with in the first place. Especially white. Or plain encaustic medium overtop a white background. mmmm.
Through all my paintings I have developed my own personal visual language. On a very simple, basic level:
trees = self portrait of some sort
crows = vision, dream
use of thread = ties that bind, relationships
circles = life, cycles
Every painting is different of course, but this is what has developed for me, within me. I could go into more detail, but I think it’s better to keep it short and simple for now. Probably boring anyway!
I mainly worked on a commission painting this afternoon. I’ve been working on it for a few months now and I’m happy to say that I made really good progress on it today. It’s 99% done! Just need to let it dry and come back to it and see if it needs anymore tweaking.
I have been seriously, seriously thinking about adding encaustic to my assemblage work.Texture is so important in what I do and your art has inspired me to no end.
In fact I even went to the local art/office supply store to inquire about encaustics. Dead stop – “Oh, I’ve never heard of those before. Our art expert will be in on Monday.” Art expert had no further info so encaustic career on temporarily on hold. Gives me more time to admire your work at greater length!
I know I’ve said this before but your work really is stunning Bridgette. This piece is certainly no exception, it’s beautiful, I love the textures, the colours, the subject… everything!
Reading about your personal visual language is not boring at all, quite the opposite, I found it fascinating to discover a little insight behind your art pieces.
Thank you for your kind comments on my latest assemblage too, I really appreciate you stopping by.
This one rocks missy! And I notice you’re going darker with your colours … perhaps a hint at the inner personal turmoil?
Colour is as much symbolic as “things” I think. And I love reading about your personal symbology. Was interested to read that crows represent vision/dream. They are “self” for me. 🙂
The colors in this one are stunning! Your work is so, so inspiring!
Truly truly beautiful – it represents everything I adore – that gorgeous texture, almost ancient with the earthy colours and such soul – a story told. I really want to try encaustic as I am finding the materials I am currently using limiting when trying to get texture. Viewing your work is an inspiration in itself!
I’m having trouble getting this to post so forgive me if you receive it more than once. I just wanted to second what everyone else has said about the beauty & inspiration of your work – you’ve inspired me to be braver about using MORE texture. Also thank you for visiting MY blog – it brought a big smile to my face!
i love hearing about the meanings behind the symbols you use!! the plaster is awesome with wax. i’ve gotta try that sometime. i wish you were closer so we could have a painting party! 🙂
There is such depth and emotion in this piece, Bridgette. I keep returning to your blog to look at this piece in order to fully take it in. Just stunning.
Courtney