Ann Bannister's Gallery
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PLAYING WITH FIRE
Mark your calendar on November 1st 5 - 7 PM for the opening of a unique art exhibit at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in Shelter Cove. Two award winning member artists, Ann Bannister and Virginia MacKenzie will present an all-encaustic art exhibit which has been two years in the making. It is called “Playing With Fire”.
Encaustic art which uses pigmented melted beeswax mixed with damar resin is an ancient art medium. Thousands of years ago, the Greeks and the Egyptians made life size mummy portraits in wax on wood panels which were then attached to the coffins. A number of these portraits are in perfect condition to this day. The word encaustic is a Greek word that means “to burn in”. After the wax is applied to the substrate, it is fused with a heat gun or torch to make it solid and permanent. A free demonstration by the two artists will be presented on Saturday, October 8th from 10:00AM to noon at the Art Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway (off Pope Ave). Call 842-5738 for registration.
This versatile medium is well suited for abstracts, three-dimensional effects, atmospheric illusion, luscious organic florals and landscapes. Encaustic can be used in combination with watercolor, pastel, oil, photography, collage, printmaking, or gold leaf. It can be fused, scraped, poured, inscribed, dipped or burnished.
Why did Bannister and MacKenzie call their show “Playing With Fire”? Even though they are serious artists who have both painted in every other medium, they decided that they have had so much fun preparing this exhibit that it can only be considered “playing”. If a painting doesn’t turn out like they would like, they just put shellac on it and torch it, laughing all the while. The result is a luminous, new creation. One of these works is entitled “God’s Painting”, as the artist gives up all control and can only watch it burn (outside in the driveway). The signature piece for the exhibit, “The Bonfire” took three months to complete and over a dozen layers of wax. After all that, it was set on fire! – The works of other Art League member artists will be on display in the Gallery as well.
The public is invited to the opening reception at the Art League of Hilton Head Gallery in the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Tuesday, November 1 from 5 to 7 PM. Gallery talks by the artists will be given each Friday during the show at 11:00 AM. This is a show not to be missed. 843-681-5060 www.ArtLeaguehhi.org