SubscribeThis solo exhibit seemed to generate so much enthusiasm – mainly for its extreme use of thick encaustic paint. Some of the “raised surfaces” were elevated as much as three centimetres. Ten works sold at the Williams Mill Exhibit and a number of commissions have been requested as a result of “favourites” already sold! The large tree “Rustic Santuary seemed to be a real source of energy and enthusiasm – even for the Grade Four Class visiting the Mill. A large number of smaller works sold and “The Soul Sheep” could have found at least four homes! Interestingly enough, some of the smaller works can take almost as much time as the larger works and they are definitely challenging to control. So for those who selected a moderately-sized artwork, rest assured that you have a panting that will provide many years of enjoyable looking! I am very pleased that so many of the works will go on to live in new homes.
rocked by water – artist statement
rocks can be small pebbles,
or cookie-sized
stacked into a castle.
rocks can also be massive:
they are teeth,
the bone structure of the earth’s crust.
water is eternal:
submerging so much rock
water can make satin from crusty lava
pummeling the sediment at shore.
when i hold
new life i immediately rock
that infant – my instinct moves
back and forth
ebbs and flows.
i know i cannot rock the water.
it drains between my fingers
but i can rock in water
afloat on surges.
these are both rock and water
dependable yet fluid
steadfast but dancing
the wax billows, seeps and undulates
quenching the dry canvas.
rocked
by
wax.
just as i am rocked
by
water
Rocked by Breakers
30 X 24"
This painting, entitled “Rocked by Breakers”, has rocks with violet hues. What is exciting about this group of waves crashing on rock paintings is that the rocks are raised off the surface as much as two cm. The texture of the wax lends itself beautifully to the real texture of rocks so it adds to the realism as well as the depth. Now that this group of paintings are currently being exhibited, I can enjoy their tactile qualities anew. I am excited to continue this particular technique in upcoming works!
“Blinding Whitecaps” & “Reservoir”
24 X 30"
This painting entitled “Blinding Whitecaps” was a very popular choice with visitors to the Williams Mill Gallery. Numerous clients spoke about the connection to the brilliant sun sparkling off of the waves and the resulting feeling of movement. Again, the raised surface of the rocks on the right make a strong contrast to the numerous white and silver lines on the left. This painting is in the collection of Mr. Rod Smith and Ms. Patsy Reed-Smith.
- 16 X 16″
- 24 X 30″
- 20 X 16″
- 24 X 30″
“Reservoir” was in the centre of the main impact wall for the ‘rocked by water’ exhibit. It attracted the most comments of the show. Numerous people were interested in the subtle rocks suggested beneath the water and the rich variety of colours from soft pastel yellows and mauves to intense blues and greens. This work is no longer available.
Oscillating Resin
These oscillating waves mirror the way the wax can pool if you control it just right with the heat gun. There are so many layers of different blues and greens in the encaustics that it feels like you are also swaying in the waterscape. This work is 24 X 48″ so it is a substantial piece with many visual details to observe as the natural lighting conditions change throughout the day.
rocked by water
This is a solo exhibition of encaustic paintings by Mary Ellen Chapman. This collection offers wide angle horizons combined with exaggerated close ups of Lake Huron waterscapes. Although inspired by specific studies from The Fishing Islands, these coastal images can remind one of shores from the Canadian Maritimes to the Carribean.
Mary Ellen paints from photographs that investigate the colours and textures of water hovering over rocks: ever changing with the shifting weather patterns.
What is fascinating about this pigment-embedded-in-wax technique is that, even after studying these paintings for long periods of time, the viewer can discover new revelations with each perusal. These are paintings that continue to provide riches for a lifetime of looking.
rocked by water is exhibiting at the Williams Mill Gallery from April 21-25, 2010. Open noon to 5 pm. Opening reception with the artist will be Saturday April 24th, 7 to 9 pm. For gallery location and blog go to www.williamsmill.com.
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Recent Comments
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Erin Cindric: Hi Mary Ellen, Amazing art...
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Alexis: Hi Mary Ellen, Congratulat...
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Anne Woods: Thanks for the invite we a...
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Jim & Sandra Millar: Congratulations and thanks...
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Lynn McCoppen: You capture a mood so well...
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