ARTIST STATEMENT
Gold Mining the Amazon is part of a series of mixed media encaustics based on Carl Sagan’s essay urging mankind to safeguard Earth, the only planet known to sustain life. In the Amazon of South America, illegal gold mining operations are causing unspeakable damage to eco systems. Toxic runoff enters the water endangering indigenous communities living downstream.
This aerial view shows untouched areas of rainforest in varying greens on the fringes of the work. Gold leaf represents the payload being extracted from Earth and the flat rice with gold leaf is the torn land. Roads cutting through delicate habitats encourage more encroachers as communities of illegal “entrepreneurs” wipe out species with carelessness and indifference.
A tiny pale blue dot is embedded to encourage younger viewers and encourage closer examination of the techniques used. It is a call to “cherish our pale blue dot.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
After retiring from education and on the cusp of the new photo digital era, I began pursuing photography as a means of self-expression. I became known for using long exposures and a technique known as painting-with-light. Not satisfied with the equipment and common techniques used by most painting-with-light practitioners, I experimented, modifying lights and creating unique gestural techniques.
Transitioning to encaustics, I initially made smooth photo encaustics but soon used my innovative spirit to give my work added dimension. I was rewarded with having work accepted into prestigious juried exhibits including the Butler Institute of American Art, the Zanesville Museum of Art, and the NLAPW 52nd Biennial Art Exhibit. I am grateful to the Greater Columbus Arts Council for awarding me three grants to pursue a series called “The Pale Blue Dot” focused on the impact of man on eco systems as the world continues to warm.
© Darlene Yeager-Torre