ARTIST STATEMENT
I collect 19th century botanical prints, celestial maps and sacred icons. I love to create art using these antique images. Through their interplay, I strive to evoke the timeless presence of the Great Mother archetype, symbolized by the divine feminine in her many cultural forms. All the beautiful icons that I use in my artwork have rich and deep history. For me, these art pieces are spiritual portals to remind us of our sacredness and that of our planet. I explore relationships between; science & spirituality, women & nature and the feminine & healing.
I work in the medium of encaustics, which is an ancient art form that dates back to the Egyptians. It is the process of painting with wax, resin, and pigment. I use the technique of combining damar resin beeswax with paper which gives the pieces a translucent quality, where the prints seem to illuminate from within. I hand-frame each piece in beautiful patinated copper.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Longtime Chicago artist. My artwork has been shown at selected galleries and art shows nationwide.
© Flora Calabrese