Hopeful Darkness

I'm so pleased to share that "Sending Seeds: Milkweed III" will be headed to the Atlantic Gallery in New York City next month for the International Encaustic Artists' show "Hopeful Darkness", November 28th through December 16th, 2017.  Opening reception to be held: Thursday, November 30th, from 5:30-8:30 PM.

"Hopeful Darkness reflects the coming darker months, a time when each day gets shorter and winter approaches.  It is this time of year when we seek the light as the darkness becomes more pervasive.  Historically, ancient cultures respected and revered nature, and were awed and unsettled by the fading light.  It was at this time of year people relied on certain rites, guaranteeing the light would return.
The fading light can also be seen as a metaphor for the current state of our moment in time.  We live in a contentious, and not always light-filled world, which is ever-changing and uncertain; it can feel as if the darkness is encroaching on so many levels.  As artists, we must transcend this feeling and allow the light, the hopeful energy, to shine through.  We must resist the shadow the net of darkness can cast, and have faith in the future and the possibility it can bring.
Two states of being, with such opposite meanings, fit so beautifully together and can create a powerful statement.

Hopeful = believing something good will happen; auspicious; bright; encouraging; optimistic; promising.  Darkness = devoid of light; dismal; gloomy; secret; possessing depth and richness. "