Taber If 14x18

Comment

Comment by Michele Taber on June 19, 2014 at 9:18am

Thank you for the kind words.

Comment by Resident Curator on June 18, 2014 at 9:30pm

Curator’s Comments:

 

I admire the rich layering of pigment and wax in these encaustic paintings.  For a modest physical scale they each hold an intimacy of space while commanding a larger pictorial presence. “If” beautifully captures this duality of approach and spontaneity of alchemical process.   The sweeping red drips and scrapes along either side of the picture form stilted totems while suggesting long deep slashes.  I strongly respond to the visual rest and relief the milky pale color in between provides the composition.  These subtle variances in hue slow down the vertical movement and keep the red lines from overwhelming the work.  Field of Dreams has a more traditional landscape orientation, even within its square format.  The horizon line dividing the field from the sky is understood viscerally as an axis mundi, or connection between two worldly realms.  Its economy of shape sets up the opulently layered color.