In Opposition
In Opposition. 2009
New Work by Laura Wait
February 6 - March 1, 2009
K Saari Gallery
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Artist’s Statement
I am currently obsessed with word shapes, wall writing and chess imagery. Words as image are a central part of my new series of large acrylic paintings I call “Ascenders”, and the series of encaustics called “Middlegame” both inspired by words of chess and war.
Checkerboards have appeared in my art for about 20 years, so I decided to pursue this powerful image with an investigation into the game of chess. Thus began the series I now call “Middlegame”, referring to the middle part of the chess game where nothing is certain, in life as in war. “Ascenders” followed, with the title referring to the vertical part of the letter, the ascender.
“ Middlegame” encaustics are linked to the larger “Ascender” series, by method and thought if not medium. I begin with writing, on paper or on canvas. Further layers complete each painting. Writing is image not content.
The encaustic paintings start with layers of ink calligraphy on Japanese Chiri or Kozo paper infused with encaustic medium and attached to wood panels. Thin layers of encaustic paint cover these papers, sometimes transparent, sometimes obscuring. Inscribed writing lines rubbed with oil stick add dimension and detail to these paintings. Chessmen, both imagined and based on traditional pieces are drawn in rows like they are ready to participate in a game. They are deliberately obscured to create the feeling of historical surfaces one might find on an ancient wall layered over a period of centuries.
The acrylic series begins with very large writing using six-inch brushes. The character of the ink is often left as layers with the dragging patterns that develop over the rough texture of the canvas. Various layers of writing with brushes, calligraphy pens are added as texture using words of chess, like the names of the pieces, game terms and general words of war, like crusade, pawn chains, caliph. These paintings are meant to contain the energy of life and war, or possibly broken communiqués used in a war. They are also inspired by Japanese calligraphy and the idea that art is not perfect.
The physical presence of paint is essential to my art, focusing on encaustic and acrylic, each affording different qualities and possibilities. I use encaustic to create dense ancient fresco like surfaces with layers of ink writing on Japanese paper saturated with color, scraped to reveal an inner texture, or scratched with lines to make new imaginary figures or handwriting. I use acrylics when I want to work large and fast, with big shapes and energy. Transparency of layers and writing through thick paint are important elements in creating all of the rich surfaces I imagine.
Laura Wait
PO.Box 773630, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
“Chessmen”, Mixed media. 7” x 36”. 2008
Encaustic on paper on copper rails.Sold
“The Knights’ Blacksmith Anticipates a Crusade”, 60” x 60”.
Acrylic on canvas. 2008.
“Articulate Collision”, Encaustic on Panel, 20” x 20”. 2008.
