September 27 through November 11, 2012

Opening Reception: Sunday, September 30, 4 to 6 pm (free)    

Above, left to right:   

Listen 2, Joanne Kent, diameter: 23", depth 2", Dorlands wax medium on wood

Dislocated IV, Sondra N. Arkin, 48" x 48", wax/shellac on Dibond   

Untitled, Mary Early, 48" x 2d" x 4", wood and beeswax (photo courtesy of the artist and Hemphill Fine Arts)         

Wax Works features six artists whose work begins at the definition of 'encaustic' and explores the application, functionality and versatility of wax as a medium. The artists are: Sondra N. Arkin, Julia Dzikiewicz, Mary Early, Jeanne Garant, Joanne Kent, and Ellyn Weiss.     

Joanne Kent's thick, sculptural applications of wax on large, simple shapes are a sensual exploration of her medium. Julia Dzikiewicz's mixed media works incorporating wax, vintage dolls' clothes and suffragette ephemera are inspired by the unique history and early inhabitants of her workspace in the former Lorton Reformatory. Mary Early's tight, geometric sculptures in wood are covered in layers of smooth, rich beeswax providing a natural irregularity and balance to the core precision of the construction. Ellyn Weiss uses wax to elicit both soft and intense colors, as well as sculptural elements to evoke a feeling of something having evolved mysteriously out of nature. Jeanne Garant's works are thoughtful, quiet, explorations into the beauty of the elements captured in her layered creations. And, Sondra N. Arkin's luminous encaustics feature complex, meditative patterns saturated with color. Twig Murray and Ellyn Weiss curated the show.