The Divas & Iron Chefs of Encaustic

Exhibit: The Divas & Iron Chefs of Encaustic

Dates: January 12- February 29, 2008

ARTISTS

Kristy Deetz
Peter Dykhius
Lorraine Glessner
Cheryl Goldsleger
Reni Gower
Heather Harvey
Jeffrey Hirst
Timothy McDowell

The Divas and Iron Chefs of Encaustic features the work of a select group of artist who have exploited the encaustic medium to create seductive surfaces, luminous color, and ethereal image layering. Each artist approaches the process from a distinctive perspective that may incorporate scraping, burning, burnishing, incising, dipping, or pouring, as well as painting, printmaking, drawing, collage, or installation.  Nevertheless, numerous conceptual links connect their interest in this malleable material.  Buried images, fragmented hybrids, or hidden codes of natural and industrial order, all translate into works infused with a physically poetic beauty. 

The show resonates with sensual materiality.  The aromatic scent of honeyed beeswax is an intoxicating perfume.  Tactile surfaces reveal or conceal unique traces of the hand, while gleaming color fused with intricate imagery orchestrates finely tuned compositions. Intentionally humorous, the title is intended to conjure associations with expert "chefs" i.e. artists working at the peak of their craft, to playfully riff on the association between a cooking competition and workshop; and to highlight hot wax as the theme ingredient. This group of artists ihave suceeded in using the legendary paint medium of fayum mummy portraits to create contemporary mainstream works of art.