Artist Insight: Balsam Poplar Series

The Balsam Poplar Series focuses on pattern and multimedia arboreal-based paintings. The model for these paintings is a western balsam poplar tree located in Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

Balsam Poplar Tree, Arnold Arboretum, MA
Balsam Poplar Series, pewter, 6" x 6" each, encaustic & foil on Belgian linen on panel, 2013.
Balsam Poplar Series, pewter 6″ x 6″ each, encaustic & foil on Belgian linen on panel, 2013

 

I have been incorporating this poplar into my work for over a decade. I use stenciled wax (customized hand-made stencils), mica pigments, polymer resin, and metal leaf accents. In addition, the patterned sgrafitto effects in these pieces are created with a batiking tool known as an Indonesian tjap. 

 

Balsam Poplar Series, cyan. 12” x 32” Encaustic, 12K white gold leaf on Belgian linen on panel, 2010
Balsam Poplar Series, cyan. 12” x 32” Encaustic, 12K white gold leaf on Belgian linen on panel, 2010

The series contains many pieces in varying styles, colors, and materials. Check out this link to my website, where you can see full-sized versions of many of the paintings!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Indonesian tjaps, stamp-like tools used for batiking.
Indonesian tjaps.