Off the Grid
a 30x30" encaustic photography collage celebrating art and nature
Last fall, I happened across an intriguing call for art hosted by the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. The theme was "Art, Nature, and Science" with a suggested size of 30x30" (!!). As stated on their website, "The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is boldly campaigning to protect 30% of the Earth's land, waters, and oceans by 2030. This idea of 30% by 2030 is a core principle behind this artistic showcase. Using nature as inspiration, artists created works to be displayed for the show's duration."
Naturally, with the germs that come with having three small children in school, combined with holiday shenanigans, I missed the deadline... or so I thought. To my surprise after the new year, I discovered that the deadline had been extended! I jumped right into planning this enormous work of art in an effort to finish in less than a month's time (during which our family of five finally caught the dreaded virus that has shaken up the world for the last three years...). I had to find a printer for the 30x30" anchoring image that didn't charge a zillion dollars for a quick turnaround and shipping. Plus, I ended up ordering the small collage prints from three different printers to not only pick the quality needed for the art, but in an effort to receive them on time to starting working on the entire piece!
But! All of my efforts were worth it. On my 39th birthday (Valentine's Day!), I received notice that my piece was selected for inclusion in the show! Best birthday present ever. :-) 42 artists and 50 works of art were selected from 149 works presented by 79 artists!
Information about each step in the creation of this piece are below each of the images. I am happy to answer questions about the process, if you have any! Hope you enjoy! XOXO
Above Image: Pentax 645nii + Kodak Portra 400 -- Lareau Farm Inn + July 2022
This is the anchoring film image for the entire piece!
Above images: the 30x30" print arrived (damaged, but I didn't have time to order a new one!), and the biggest Ampersand Encausticbord panel to date that I have worked with
Above images: the process of deciding which window panes to cut out (with an x-acto blade), which ones to move around to other panels and rotate in different directions, and which pressed flowers, stencils, and collage pieces to incorporate
Above images: deciding which film photos to use in the final piece and in which windowpanes, then using (super cute honeybee) washi tape to keep them in place!
Above images: starting the encaustics!
Above left image: taping off each image so I can paint encaustics on the window frames between them
Above right image: after removing the tape (which was horrible and I don't recommend taping onto your photos unless they are printed on high gloss paper -- I had to use a heat gun to help remove the tape!)
Above image: my favorite part of this piece of art -- vintage handwritten correspondence that reads, "I will be able to see the best of good wishes"
Above images: variety of film photos made by me since 2015, that made it in my final selection of collage
Above image: finished with the encaustics! Can you find the two hidden four leaf clovers?
Above Images: Starting the process of adding R&F oil pigment sticks to my art as the finishing touch
Above left image: me on my way to deliver the final art to the Museum of Life and Science
Above right image: me with two of my kiddos visiting the exhibit during Spring break (thanks for the photo, Hannah!)
Above images: "Off the Grid" on display and for sale (until July 16th, 2023!) at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham
