Breathing Space

Encaustic on silk - 36in x 60in

Breathing Spaces addresses the connection between recovery and rest related to reminiscence. Growing up, home life was often very unpredictable and unnerving, but time spent with my grandparents on the beaches of California and Hawaii harnessed a sense of calm, predictability, rhythm and and safety. An enjoyable recollection of past events are connected to characteristics of one thing reminding of another.  Never being a big collector of tangible things, I collect moments. These collected moments are carried along the day to day. They are a tribute of gratitude and a scrapbook of my upbringing.  I continue to find comfort and inspiration from the coastal elements like waves, sand, fog, mist primarily related to color, texture and rhythmic patterns. For example, the predictability of the tides and the repetition of the waves is represented in the repetitive process of assemblage. Encaustic mixed media has provided me instant gratification along with the freedom to explore and embrace imperfection. The layers encaustic monotypes with fabric and paper are representative of deconstructed layers of painted encaustic with infused space, light and air. My desire is to create space that provides comfort, stillness, and peace. Pieces are larger in size with more prominent textured layers relating to my desire and increased confidence in taking up more space declaring a personal desire to make more space for calm and comfort.