ORGANIC encaustic paintings by Pam Nichols

EVENTS

Artist Reception October 24 from 5 - 7 p.m. | art talk at 6 p.m.

First Friday ArtWalk November 1 from 5 - 8 p.m.

Emerging encaustic painter Pam Nichols fills her wax and pigment panels with found remnants of rust, metal, paper and ink that she has aged in her very own "rustorium." They are repurposed to construct stories of hope and reminiscence. A seemingly random melding of color and shape, viewed through the depths of translucent beeswax and resin, form knowingly balanced compositions while mystery and beauty lurk beneath.

Interview with the artist

ORGANIC | by Pam Nichols of Tigard, Oregon

ARTIST biography

Born and raised in Oregon, Pam Nichols is an accomplished professional artist. Her work in encaustic has been shown throughout the Pacific Northwest, Arizona and Australia. Since attending the Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2006 she has developed and produced several art shows around Portland, served as the President of Portland Open Studios and is currently the committee chair of two local art organizations. She has taught art classes throughout Oregon, Hawaii and currently teaching private lessons in Tigard, Oregon.

ARTIST statement

Growing up around artists I explored many artistic media. Taking a class in encaustic painting in 2006, I found what I was looking for! The medium fits my personality perfectly, impatient and goofy. Working in encaustic allows me to be who I am. On the spot I can change the direction I am going and dive right into something completely different. I use found and recycled old metal objects in my work because there is an exciting challenge in turning something that has been discarded into something new. When I paint, I usually just let the medium direct me where it wants to go. Like the molten beeswax, I just let it flow.

The Organic collection will feature several large encaustic/mixed media paintings along with a series of daily paintings that Nichols created over the month of September 2013. Hear about the month-long daily painting process by clicking the video below.