Art Access Show

 

Bexley, Ohio

 

Art Access Gallery

 

 

 

“Materials Matter”
New Works through September 10, 2022

This was a group show that I participated in at the Art Access Gallery in Bexley, Ohio.

A shout-out to Ann, Judy, Paula and Ricki ~ I was honored to hang on the same walls!

  http://www.artaccessgallery.com/

Gallery Hours Wednesday – Saturday

 

September 5, 2022

“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
~ Mary Oliver

My paintings showing in “Materials Matter” are new encaustic paintings utilizing collage and burnt surfaces as details throughout.

The process of melting the encaustic surface typically involves torching the surface in a controlled manner to create and image that moves gently and untamed. But I wanted to drive the energy of the torch into something more committed, so I reversed the additive process and literally burned the surface. These shapes are dark, reductive masses that possess strong, solemn moments.
The silent and singular shapes are the focal points of these pieces – a suggestion of the memories of those separated and left standing alone after natural disasters, war, grief and disease.

Using old phone books and maps, I assembled patterns and messages within the paintings. The white pages provided a lineal pattern of the surname “Wood” to build the textures of a forest, messages of real estate properties for sale create a horizon line of a scorned landscape, and torn maps and homemade papers suggest land masses and broken communities that have been overcome by divisiveness and natures furies.

From destruction emerged something new.

A big “thank you” to all those who attended the show!

 

Art Access Gallery

Art Access Gallery

 

Art Access Gallery

Art Access Gallery

 

Art Access Gallery

Art Access Gallery

 

Art Access Gallery

Art Access Gallery

 

Art Access Gallery

Art Access Gallery

 

“Passage Between Cliffs” – Process Photo

 

“Passage Between Cliffs”
36″ x 48″
Encaustic

 

“Last Standing-Silvanus Saved the Woods”
48″ x 60″
Encaustic

 

“Remembering”
36″ x 48″
Encaustic

 

“Remembering” – Detail

 

“Red Phone Book Woods”
24″ x 24″
Encaustic

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiration in Every Moment for Light and Dark Painting

 “Every Moment of Light and Dark is a Miracle.”  ~ Walt Whitman

Rumora Abstract oil painting of forest

Light and Dark. Oil on Canvas. 25.5″ x 45.5″
Artist: Karen Rumora

Light and Dark is a recent commissioned oil painting that I created after observing an animation of light and shadow.

I am so often moved by being outdoors, that I cannot do much more than sit quietly and bathe in my surroundings.  Many times I simply take quick notes.  I memorize the colors, jot down comments on hue and form, then return to my studio to create looser encaustic paintings.  On a recent trip, these notations were captured in the form of small black and white drawings and a few sketch paintings.  I was in the process of writing notes on my sketches for new pieces, when I was inspired by what fell on my page.

In the moment of reliving the mood of my visit, a splattering of light dancing on my sketch pad pulled my thoughts in another direction.  This is not surprising, as I have always been easily distracted.  I was intrigued and somewhat hypnotized by these lively orbs.  For years, circular patterns have been begging me to take notice, so I took this as a “sign”; and I began letting my heart guide my hand.  As I painted,  the repetitive movement was definitely comforting and felt completely natural.  I liked the idea that the circle suggests infinity and that the organic shapes were akin to morphing cells.  My paintings have become patterns of  lit entities in a seemingly infinite space, and my visions have become more animated and surreal.  I imagine these images as a prelude to a dream.

This became the beginning of my new series; another adventure in my artistic journey.

 

abstract forest painting blog

Light and Dark, installed.