ARTIST STATEMENT
In my most current series, the addition of forest imagery acknowledges the woods as an endangered place of refuge. I also refer to the cycles of death and rebirth that occur constantly in forests. Forest imagery is included in both the ink jet prints and the silkscreen elements. I love being able to do free form combinations of silkscreen elements both under and over the surface of the painting while exploring the play between abstraction and representation. I usually start a painting by adding the elements in gesso on the panel, knowing that it will be partially covered. What I put down gives me something to respond to. The translucent qualities of encaustic make it perfect for this technique. I have a fascination with structure; the visible structure in the world around us and the structure created within a painting. I see beauty in the balance between horizontal and vertical lines, the contrasts of light and dark, complementary colors and the opposition of hard and soft edges. Through my work, I seek to make sense of this world, to feel myself as fully present and to ground myself in the experience of being alive. The physical nature of the world captivates me. With each piece my goal is to spark imagination and strengthen the viewers emotional connection to the planet.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jane Michalski continues her exploration of the versatile medium of encaustic incorporating silk screen elements, ink jet prints and using personal photographs as sources for abstraction. A working artist and resident of Chicago for many years, she often returns to her native state of Wisconsin. Her creative energy is fueled by her love for the natural world.
Jane has exhibited in the Chicago area, and in regional and national exhibitions. Her paintings are included in many private collections and have received several awards. She has received grants from the City of Chicago and the Illinois Arts Council. In addition to her studio work as an artist, Jane is active in Chicago’s Logan Square Community and is a former board member of the Logan Square Chamber of the Arts. She has produced and curated exhibitions for The Hairpin Arts Center. Currently, she is president of FUSEDChicago an organization for artists working in the medium of encaustic. Her education includes a BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MA degree from the University of Illinois.
© Jane Michalski