SUBMERGENCE - Encaustic Paintings by Joel Anderson - Opening Reception

Featuring Encaustic Paintings by Joel Anderson

• Complimentary Valet Parking
• Light Refreshments, including bites generously provided by Kam's
• Artist Talk at 6:30 p.m.

Joel Anderson turns inward and downward in his new works, exploring depth in the subject matter as well as in technique. As Anderson explains, "My last solo show incorporated 3D-printed elements projecting outward from the paintings. This show is almost a complete reversal of that, inviting the viewer to experience the dimensionality downward into semi-transparent layers of encaustic. In a series entitled "Basswood Confessions", memories - most fairly scandalous - are buried under twenty or more layers of encaustic, leaving a hazy impression under a foggy forest of stalwart trees. "As we age and some of us confront failing memory functions, there is a desire to write down some of our stories. But goodness, I don't want everyone to know all the dirty details", Anderson reflects. In his "Crash and Burn" series, Anderson literally set his artwork on fire to produce the impressions of waves crashing ashore or alternatively lava eruptions. "One interesting thing you can do with encaustics is to apply shellac to the surface and then light it on fire. With some additional manipulation with a blow torch, I was seeing that the shellac would in some cases submerge into the encaustic, giving a new dimensionality to the piece" Anderson says. This effect is also used as a background for his geometric social/political commentary pieces "Out of Balance". And in the more direct interpretation of the show theme, scenes from Anderson's 10,000 gallon koi pond are depicted, again utilizing layers and layers of encaustic to effect an underwater world of hazy abandon. Encaustic painting -- beeswax mixed with damar resin -- was practiced by Greek artists as far back as the 5th century B.C. In fact, the word encaustic comes from the Greek word enkaiein, meaning to burn in, referring to the process of fusing the paint. A mid-20th century revival, including works by Diego Rivera and Jasper Johns, brought encaustic painting back into prominence. Anderson's creative process uses modern, digital methods incorporated into the ancient medium. Anderson maintains a studio at The Silos on Sawyer and is a frequent exhibitor on the local art fair circuit, including the Bayou City Arts Festival and the First Saturday Arts Market.