I've definitely been slacking with regard to my blog– but it's been for a good cause; I've been exploring. When I started with photography many years ago I was in the darkroom getting my hands messy and stinky in chemistry. I just loved it. I valued the tactile experience of loading film for my Hasselblad and I loved having something in physical form when I was finished photographing someone or something. (Don't get me wrong- I love digital and for the opportunities it provides.) Over the years I have also enjoyed the tactile experience of painting and have picked up my paint brushes on and off over time. It was never a priority though. I think I kind of silenced my "whispers" to paint more than I have for one reason or another (that's another blog entry entirely!
I'm happy to say that I have picked up my brush once again. I have discovered a passion for working with the medium of encaustic and I have loved finding ways to combine it with my photography. In addition to many hours of practice on my own, I've taken classes here in Austin and a workshop at the Santa Fe Workshops to help support me in my process.
I have found this to be an excellent combination of working with my hands and connecting with my creative, intuitive side. I still spend time on the computer with my work (still doing portraits!), but this allows me to just absorb myself in the craft and loose time–similarly to my earlier days in the darkroom.
I am excited (and a little nervous) to share my video with you and hope it gives you a sense for what it's all about for me. (This is actually the first video I've ever made and edited!) While I am still in the early stages of this "branch" of my work, I have just established a relationship with and delivered some of my pieces to a local, GORGEOUS store here in Austin, TX. called Mockingbird Domestics. I quite enjoy this store and the people associated with it.
My plan is to display the artwork on my new website (coming soon!) and continue to find just the right places to sell the art moving forward. This process will begin here in my Austin community, but will expand to other areas in the country. The first "Collection" are animals (surprised?) as I just can't get enough of them. And because it is important for me to give back with my work, I will be donating some of the proceeds from the sales of this artwork to animal welfare causes.
Creating this art makes me feel lucky to have passion for something.
If you are interested in learning more about my fine art or want to inquire about purchasing one of my pieces, please feel free to reach out. If you know of a store in your city that you think might be interested in representing this work, I'd love to hear about them. I'll of course have more information and share more in the weeks and months to come!