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WAXING:encaustic collage
by
andrea bird
Artist Statement
I approach art-making intuitively, following my inclination into new territory with each piece telling me where it needs to go. The route can be effortless or challenging - either way I am pulled along, fascinated by the process. Encaustic allows for a dialogue to take place between myself and the wax. This ‘back and forth’ nature opens me to the mystery of what cannot be known – but only glimpsed at. I let go of attachment which for me is an on-going loosening of expectation. ‘Holding loosely’ is a theme that inspires much of my work. It allows for a spontaneous response to what happens during the process – drips can be fused into the piece, or gouged off, ‘mistakes’ lead to new ways of pushing the medium. I have created different series that incorporate found objects, clothing/fabric, birds’ nests, prayer flags, roots (and other organic materials), original photo transfers of trees – and each is connected to the source inspiration of ‘holding loosely’. My most recent series involves dancing on the beeswax with charcoal on my feet, which is a way of physically being involved with the painting. This allows for a more spontaneous response to ‘what is’. It is an on-going learning for me to let go, to fall without fear.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A CLOSING RECEPTION SUNDAY, AUGUST 28
Andrea will be present to speak about her encaustic works between 3&5PM
admission is free
view more of Andrea's work here
Bio:
Andrea Bird graduated from OCAD in Toronto and studied at R&F Encaustics in New York. She is a long-time member of the Ontario Society of Artists, and has been teaching & exhibiting her work extensively for over 25 years. Inspired by the natural world, she often uses organic collage elements in her work (nests/leaves/roots). This award-winning artist fell in love with encaustic a decade ago (beeswax mixed with oil pigment & damar resin fused with heat).
The versatility of this luscious medium never ceases to amaze her. Andrea works with many themes that are held together with the common thread of finding beauty, depth and mystery in every day. With her husband and fellow artist, Daniel Beirne, she has just opened an encaustic school/gallery called ‘the hive’ at the Alton Mill near Orangeville.
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