Evanston Art Expo

Photos from preview night at the Evanston Art Center. The show runs November 23 - December 22.

Jewelry Room, my paintings were in here

Pottery, glass, and wood 

Yum!

Accessories, hats, journals, housewares

Back in the jewelry room

Some of my work on shelves...

And some of my work hanging

Fellow encaustic artist and new friend, Maike and me

Chicago, six months later

Opening next weekend, the holiday Winter Arts and Craft Expo at the Evanston Art Center

I am dropping off 26 small encaustic paintings this afternoon and look forward to attending the preview party this Friday.

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It's almost been six months since I moved to Chicago and I have to admit, it's been a huge adjustment both personally and professionally. The first priority was getting here, which happened early June. After that, finding professional networks and exhibition opportunities became my focus. I don't always make accurate first impressions but here goes...

I joined FUSEDChicago before I even got here because I knew several of the artists from the encaustic conference I attended in 2010.  I immediately befriended several more members and was able to participate in a small group show at the Fine Arts Building and I felt fortunate to have made the connection. Through the Fused Chicago group I submitted and participated in WAXinBlue at Morpho Gallery this fall and was also referred to another artist group that meets weekly at a local restaurant, the artist's breakfast group. 

The breakfast group allowed me to talk to long time professionals, several of which are members in the Chicago Society of Artists and it was suggested that I also join this juried group of established artists. I submitted work and was juried in, attended their annual meeting last month, and participated in the fall reception last night, hosted at the Tom Robinson Gallery.

The work in the show was a mix of photographs, paintings, and sculptures, ranging from traditional to abstract, similar to Copley Society shows but minus a higher standard that a juror usually dictates. Their website is out of date and postal mail is preferred over email communications. There was no real leadership at the reception and as a new member I definitely felt lost.

Starting over, networking and meeting artists, establishing exhibit and teaching opportunities, getting my work "out there" has been exhausting, frustrating, and a huge challenge. I miss going to receptions comfortably alone, seeing friends and colleagues, and feeling like I belong.

Fortunately, I will be one of the featured artist's this January in the Chicago Art Source Gallery. As I continue to paint new work, maybe it will lead to a better fit in future endeavors.

P.S. I did complete "Tribune Tower", had to make a few minor changes, and will be starting a companion piece soon.

Tribune Tower

"Tribune Tower"

12" x 12" encaustic on panel

(WIP)

When I combine my photographs with wax, I work toward finding a balance between photographic realism and dream-like impressionism. It has become my personal challenge to unmask the hidden landscapes lurking throughout the city.

North Pond

"Crow at North Pond"

12" x 12" encaustic on panel

The colors of autumn are breathtaking to me and I just can't get enough. Every day (weather permitting) I walk my dog and have been overwhelmed by the beauty of nature, hidden within an urban setting. The North Pond Nature Sanctuary is my usual walk, the loop around the pond from my apartment is 2 miles and I try to do it twice a day. Walking around the pond takes me to a wonderfully tranquil place. Today I couldn't help but notice how the colors have become even more golden, less green and I had to take more photographs.

The pond is such a change from my walks along the beach when I lived in New England. I have decided I am more inspired by the autumn foliage than the ocean, at least for now I have dozens of paintings waiting to happen. 

Photos from today's walk -