Perspectives

I am a visual artist from DeSoto, Wisconsin specializing in encaustic, mixed-media paintings. In addition to creating encaustic art, I have been a visual art educator in the School District of La Crosse, Wisconsin, since 2002. I teach elementary art at Summit Environmental School on French Island. At Summit, we provide students with a solid educational foundation in the core academic areas with an environmental focus integrated throughout the curriculum. My curriculum incorporates many environmental aspects, from exploring and presenting environmental artist to residents and in community projects to repurposing and reusing recycled materials. The process of change in nature is a constant source of wonder and inspiration that I try to mimic in my work. This process of change and transformation is supported by integrating many different media such as collage, drawing, fabric, and natural materials within the encaustic wax. My work is driven by the intrinsic journey of discovering the process of encaustic in relationship to the natural world. I am intrigued by the variety of perspectives I see in the places I experience. I’m communicating more of a memory than a representation with the use of lines, shapes, colors, and textures seen in the natural world. Through the fluid and sculptural qualities of wax, I can explore my visual memories. Scraping, tearing, overlapping, building up, and melting down layers, revealing unpredictable compositions brought out only by this tactile process. In these collections, I strive to arouse the unique perspectives of land, water, and sky. These natural views provoke comforting memories and feelings. I can escape from the everyday stressful situations that may occur when I paint. Having a balance between teaching and creating can be overwhelming. I have discovered this relationship strengthens my teaching habits and relationships between my students. Making time to create art gives me purpose and comfort in the everyday challenges I may face.

The gallery’s First Thursday reception is normally followed by a 7:00 pm dinner next door at Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table. While restaurants remained closed, Rooted Spoon is providing themed meals for pick-up each Thursday. Information can be found at www.rootedspoon.com.

VIVA member artist Nan Marshall, a jeweler, is also featured during July

I have always enjoyed texture. I love the way different materials can come together to create unexpected textures. The life of the object happens at the connection between materials or even within them as smooth gives way to rough, soft meets hard, and straight takes an unexpected turn. Color only allows this contrast more fully to emerge, either as a subtle counterpoint in the background or in a full, orchestral blast.

Metal offers a rigid background to which movement and color can be added. It is fun and challenging to coax metal into form while adding other materials, such as fabrics and felt, as a counterpoint. I have recently begun experimenting with silver soldering, which expands the ways I can capture and join pieces. I look forward to exploring this new dimension more fully.

I see my jewelry as having a contemporary, bohemian feel. I want it to bring joy to people and allow them to express themselves. Our outward appearance is our attempt to reflect our inner vision of ourselves. I hope that my jewelry helps people translate this vision to those around them.