Within the seed, a secret
encaustic mixed media
12x9 inches
I can't even recall how many transformations this painting has been through or even exactly how many layers of paint makes up this piece. It is a painting I have been working on, on and off, for several weeks. Mmm, actually, maybe months. Perhaps even a few years? I suppose I should know the answers to this or not admit that I don't know to anyone besides myself. It was just something I worked on here and there, think it was done, then no, no it wasn't. Paint over, scrape back, paint again, leave alone for a few months. Repeat. You get the idea. But now, I know, with 100% certainty, that the painting that it was supposed to be all along is finally here. It just took me a while to get there.
When I was in Oregon for EncaustiCamp, I finally got to hold Judy Wise and Stephanie Lee's book, Plaster Studio: Mixed-Media Techniques for Painting, Casting and Carving
Creativity Books)
in my hands. I am so honored to have been asked to share one of my encaustic paintings that I created on a plaster substrate in their book. Stephanie was the one that introduced me to plaster several years ago and I have been using it in a variety of ways with encaustic ever since. I am really looking forward to reading this book and trying out some of the other techniques that they share in it. I am particularly interested in trying out casting....oh, the possibilities! And of course I made Judy sign it for me and that makes it all the more special.
Truly a wonderful piece, including the name. Even though the area above the horizon line is beautifully textured, I love the emptiness -- the waiting for what is to come.
ReplyDeleteI just sit here and admire every new piece you create, Bridgette. And I love it that you remind us that we don't know the answers beforehand and that perseverance is required. Love the new piece.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is beautiful - organic, earthy, filled with depth. And congrats on your inclusion in the book -- it is a good one.
ReplyDeleteIt is what it is supposed to be. Love the studio sneak peek in the side bar...always intriguing.
ReplyDeleteGreat piece. Love it!
ReplyDeletelove this p;iece. Lucky you to be at the camp. lyndax
ReplyDeleteThis piece and it's title, "within the seed, a secret" is very mysterious and wonderful! And I bought one of the books from Judy at Encausticamp, an it is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteroxanne
I always find my roots in Gauguin's "I close my eyes in order to see." Gris rings true in the same way.
ReplyDeleteWonderful deep roots too in your multi-layered 'Within the seed, a secret'
I love the process you describe...it's one of my favorites too:
Paint over, scrape back, paint again, leave alone for a few months. Repeat.
Beautiful post! That painting really has arrived and I can just imagine the secret! Love the painting.
ReplyDeleteYou mentionned a book you bought...Well I just bought The Artist Unique featuring, among many great artist, you and Karin Bartimole. I'm loving it!