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Downtown Duncan Art Pages
CREATING WATER WITH FIRE SHELLEY WUITCHIK AT AQUAMARIS ART GALLERY A Thriving Arts and Cultural Community
Encaustic (enkaustikos) is a Greek word that means “to burn in”. Heat and fire are used throughout the process, from melting the beeswax and dammar resin to fusing the layers of pigmented wax.
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Aquamaris Art Gallery is honoured to introduce Canadian encaustic artist Shelley Wuitchik, whose work is best described as a reflection of her life: the rich “texture” of her family, the “ebb and flow” of the seasons and the “burning” of memory into time and space.
Low Tide, Encaustic on Wood Cradle, 12” x 36” by Shelley Wuitchik
Using this ancient medium with the advent of presentday heating implements, she creates visually stunning contemporary works of art that resonate with collectors from around the world.
From Quebec City, her picturesque birthplace steeped in history, through the landscapes and coastlines of Atlantic Canada that nurtured her growing up, the majesty of the Canadian Rockies and now the Pacific shores, all forming backdrops to her storied life, the imprints of the land and the sea etched deep into her DNA, find themselves expressed in luminous layers and swirls of vibrant colours.
Shelley Wuitchik eloquently offers insights into her passion for encaustic process: “For me, painting with encaustic, creates a state of totipotentia: a latin term meaning the ability
Luminaries, Encaustic on Wood Cradle, by Shelly Wuitchik - digitally styled in situ Luminaries, Encaustic on Wood Cradle, 12” x 36” by Shelly Wuitchik for all things. Encaustic painting is filled with such potential. Since the medium is incredibly malleable and fluid, I am able to mix it with vibrant pigments and embed sculptural elements. I seek to illustrate the flow of water, the dense weight of the earth and the flashy and volatile qualities of fire. I hope the luminosity and movement of my work offers the viewer the same spontaneity and transformation I experience as I paint.”
In The Wake, Encaustic on Wood Cradle, 12” x 36” by Shelley Wuitchik Aquamaris Art Gallery Upstairs in the historic Duncan Garage Building Suite 202 - 330 Duncan Street (250) 597-2798 aquamarisartgallery.com
