Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Shifting

"Dreaming of Water", 18 x 24, encaustic on cradled panel


My recent focus has been on painting with wax using abstract techniques to depict identifiable landscapes in new ways. I am inspired to convey a message about the land and a view of the world that allows for an essential appreciation of earth and nature.

I painted "Dreaming of Water" using shades of blue combined with the earth pigments that are most predominant in Aboriginal paintings. I have just begun reading a book, "Mutant Message Down Under" by Marlo Morgan; she shares her experiences from walking across Australia with a nomadic Aboriginal tribe. The tribe lives and thrives in natural harmony with their surroundings and through reading her first hand perspective, I have developed many new visions of the world. I just need the time to paint them all.

Unfortunately, I will have to take a short painting break as I prepare for the upcoming Paradise City show over Columbus Day weekend followed by my solo show and encaustic workshop at Brush Strokes Studio. I have been very protective of this newest body of abstract work, although I am planning on including some pieces in upcoming shows. It's important not to ignore that we need to live in peace and harmony with not just each other, but the land, too. Primitive art has become more meaningful to me than any other art form, it brings me back to the essential basics of life.

10 comments:

  1. This subject is so very suitable for the medium you have chosen, I love the swirls and the colors flowing in to each other with out boundaries.All the best for your shows!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. and I like the combination of both boundaries and no boundaries. Finding a balance is always the key.

      Delete
  2. I love this work, Robin--and "Watering Hole" from your slide show.

    Mutant Message Down Under is the book I read years ago; I still remember parts of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting you read the book too, Hallie. I like the reminders of how differently we live in diverse cultures.

      Delete
  3. I love your outlook and the direction it is taking your work. It will be interesting to see how it continues to develop.

    A few years ago I got to spend a little time on the outskirts of the Australian Outback, visited some caves with aboriginal art. The vastness and desolation of the land and the antiquity of the art really gives you a fresh perspective on this planet and our place on it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This new work has been very freeing for me, Deborah. I am envious that you have actually been to the Outback, maybe some day for me too.

      Delete
  4. Reminds me of topographic weather maps. Lovely, Robin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really can be viewed as a literal "birds-eye" view of the world, Sherry.

      Delete
  5. This piece is absolutely luscious! As an abstract artist myself, I love the new direction you have taken. You inspiration and new philosophy adds so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hopefully there is a deeper meaning when the motivation behind the work is understood. It's been a goal of mine to feel connected to abstraction and I finally feel like I get it.

      Delete