Archway Gallery
2305 Dunlavy, Houston, Texas 77006 (713) 522-2409
Archway Gallery presents Submergence
Featuring Encaustic Paintings by Joel Anderson
Exhibition January 6 – February 1, 2018
Opening Reception
DATE:
TIME: 5 – 8 p.m., Artist Talk: 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy,
Houston, Texas 77006
Houston, Texas 77006
Complimentary Valet Parking
& Light Refreshments
Joel Anderson 's exhibition, Submergence, will be on view January 6 – February 1, 2018. The artist will be available to visit with guests during the opening reception on Saturday, January 6, 2018, from 5 – 8 p.m. with an Artist's 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".
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.
ABOUT ARCHWAY GALLERY Artist owned and operated since 1976. Archway Gallery, one of Houston's and the nation's oldest artist-owned and operated galleries, is located at 2305 Dunlavy and is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. Since 1976, Archway Gallery has been exhibiting the work of the area's finest artists, providing a great selection of affordable, high quality art including sculpture, pottery and painting in a variety of media and styles. One of the more than 30 member artists is always on site, providing visitors a unique experience to meet the artists who created the work, offering a personal insight into the process. Each month features a special exhibition highlighting member artist(s). The public is invited to the monthly opening receptions that celebrate the new installations and work, usually held the first Saturday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. In addition to monthly exhibitions, Archway also hosts a variety of demonstrations and monthly readings for local writers and authors, as well as a "Tea and Tour" program, providing visitors with a free artist-led tour of the current exhibition, followed by tea and refreshments. With 30 artist-members, Archway Gallery is THE destination in the Houston area for affordable art directly from the artist. For more information, visit ArchwayGallery.com or call 713.522.2409. Like Archway Gallery on Facebook.
Media Contact
Debra Ford
debra@fordandcompany.com
(281) 415-0673
