Another Earth by Michelle Hamilton
Asheville Gallery of Art (AGA) will feature encaustic and mixed media artist Michelle Hamilton’s Elements Unite throughout November. An artist reception will be held Friday, November 4, from 5–8 p.m.
“I sculpt layers of colored wax on a large scale in a painterly, free-form way,” Hamilton says. “I am excited to present viewers with the opportunity to delve into encaustics on a large scale to explore this lesser-known medium. The pieces are meant to play with perception, creating an engaging landscape that can be enjoyed at the macroscopic and microscopic level.”
The encaustic technique is a wax-based paint (composed of beeswax, resin and pigment) that is kept in a molten state on a heated palette. It is applied to an absorbent surface then reheated in order to fuse the paint.
“As an artist, I find the technique to be an amazing and versatile medium capable of supporting bold concepts and inspiring unexpected creative endeavors,” Hamilton says. “Discovering this medium was like falling in love for the first time all over again; it allows me to delve into mixed media and texture, which opens my mind and makes me even more passionate about art.”
Hamilton’s process is based on layers. Each work represents many works within a whole, each transforming the next as they are overlaid on top of one another.
“A layer that is buried beneath five or six different ones can be brought back out due to the nature of encaustics and the chemical reactions wax has with other materials when heat is applied,” Hamilton says. “This creates a dream-like atmosphere of mystery and concealment within the imagery of each piece. I invite viewers to engage their senses and understand the possibilities inherent in this beautiful medium.”
AGA currently has two encaustics artists in the gallery, yet each painter uses this medium in a different way. “I love the unusual use of colors in Michelle’s composition,” says Sandra Russell Anton, artist and AGA president. “Her process of experimenting with textures and cold wax really bring the viewer in.”
Asheville Gallery of Art is located at 82 Patton Avenue across from Pritchard Park. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11–6 p.m., and Sundays 1–4 p.m. To learn more call 828.251.5796 or visit ashevillegallery-of-art.com and Facebook.
