Natura Viva
Biology is fractal.. Leaf patterning and veining, tree formation, hives and shells all have a mathematical description to their form. It can be enormously intriguing to mimic, recreate, and in a sense, relive the form through line and color in a fractal way, using the organic growth of a wavering line and meandering color.
Here are 39 artists who use botanical or biological content in their work. What you will find amazing and intriguing is the breadth of treatment of the content in these works. They run the gamut from lush, chaotic overabundance to spare minimal elegance and in every imaginable medium and material. You’ll see….we’ll begin my my own “kitchen sink” approach:
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Debra Claffey, “Cereus-ly”, Encaustic, pigment stick, graphite, oil on panel, 2012, 12″ x 12″ |
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Cheryl McClure, “Johnson Creek Summer 1″, encaustic on wood panel, 2011, 10″ x 10″ x 2” |
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Tracey Adams, “Collage-13″, intaglio, encaustic, monotype, encaustic, 2011, 13″ x 18” |
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Nancy Azara, “White and Pink Leaf”, Paint and encaustic on canvas, 2012, 5″ x 4″ x .5″ |
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Joan Stuart Ross, “Poplars II”, encaustic and collage on panel, 2012, 10″ x 8″ |
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Soosen Dunholter, “Float”, Collagraphic Monoprint, 2008, 26″ x 21″ |
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Deborah Martin, “Garden Scroll”, encaustic, carbon, original drawing transfers on kozo, 2011, 76″ x 11″ |
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Willa Vennema, “Eucalyptus Leaves 2″, Eucalyptus Leaves, Ribbon, Stick, on Panel, 2012, 8″ x 8” |
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Ahavani Mullen, “Winter”, Encaustic and mica on paper, 2011, 3″ x 2″ |
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Laura Petrovich-Cheney, “Burren”, Ink, charcoal, soot on paper, 2012, 63” x 48” |
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Jeanne Borofsky, “Mirkwood #1”, digital drawing, 2002, size varies |
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Peggy Epner, “Historicity”, encaustic on panel, 2010, 18″ x 18″ |
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Cyndie Katz, “100 Chile Labyrinth”, acrylic, 2012, 24″ x 24″, 2012 |
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Dawna Bemis, “Lotus Blossom”, Encaustic, Pigment, Paper, Transistors and Pigment Stick on Steel, 2012, 12″ x 12″ |
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Kay Hartung, “Cell17″, encaustic & mixed media, 2012, 6″ x 6” |
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Hazel Bartram-Birchenough, “Body Series: Deep Tissue with Pathological Process”, Encaustic and mixed media on wooden panel, 6”x 8” |
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Kathleen Scout Austin, “Without Bees”, encaustic with photo collage and oil stick, 2012, 10″ x 10″ |
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Marsha Hewitt, “Orchid Bough”, Encaustic and mixed media, 2012, 8.5″ x 14″ |
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Susanne K. Arnold, “Osmia. avosetta Brood Chamber- Golden”, Encaustic, botanicals, papier mache , 2011, 5.5″ x 3″ x 3″ |
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Kathy Tangney, “Collaboration”, mixed media, 20″ x 16″ |
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Marilyn Banner, “Buds”, encaustic and inkjet photo on wood, 2008, 8″ x 8” |
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Linda Widstrand, “Red_Flowers”, encaustic, 2012, 8″ x 10″ |
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Elsa Voelcker, “Luscious Amaryllis”, Digital print, 12″ x 8″ |
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Carol Brody, “August Bouquet”, Encaustic on panel, 2010, 12” x 16” |
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Kathy Blankley Roman, “Thinking of Spring”, mixed media with encaustic on tile, 2012, 8″ x 8″ |
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Su Sheedy, “Bog Hydrangea”, encaustic on plywood, 2011, 30″ x 30″ x 2″ |
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Pamela DeJong, “Spring Snow”, Encaustic on cradled birch, 2012, 14″ x 14″ |
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Christine Aaron, “Sulphur Branch II”, Mixed Media (printmaking, encaustic) on patinated copper, 2010, 24″ x 18″ |
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Judy Klich, “Whole Nine Yards”, Encaustic on panel, 36” x 22” x 2” |
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Pamela Wallace, “To the Light”, encaustic/pigment stick on panel, 2009, 24″ x 24″ x 2″
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Elena De La Ville, “Bee Habitat”, Fabric, wax, rust, 2011, 48″ x 30″ |
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Jane Longman, “Connections IX”, encaustic on panel, image transfer/plexi, dried organics, 2012, 16″ x 8″ |
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Jane Allen Nodine, “Terra Ignota 02″, encaustic wax, pigment, resin, iron oxidation, tea stain on muslin on panel, 2012, 20″ x 24” |
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Eileen Goldenberg, “Array 66″, encaustic, 2011, 12″ x 12” |
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Fanne Fernow, “Prayers for the Earth: Rites of Spring: 2011″, encaustic on panel, diptych, 12″ x 24”, 2011 |
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Helen Dannelly, “Earth Pod”, Cast encaustic, oil, raffia, 2012, 9” x 6” x 9” |
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Michele Thrane, “Serengeti Colors”, Encaustic Monotypes, Photographs, Staples, Paper, 26” diameter |
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Elizabeth DAmico, “Summertime”, Encaustic and found images on board, 2007, 6″ x 6″
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Pat Spainhour, “Botanical Two”, encaustic collage, 2011, 18” x 18” |
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Marcia Santore, “Yellow Trunk”, acrylic paint and rice paper on canvas, 2007, 15″ x 30″ |
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Wow Deb, this is a classy group!
I am honored to be included. and amazed at the work you had to do for this…
Thank you for including my work, its an honor Debra! You’ve put together a very diverse group.
Oh my… what a diverse group of wonderful pieces. I am honored to be included. I have to now go back and really look closely at all the enlarged images.
Deb, such wonderful work!!!Love this post!!!
A brilliant display! Love the way one work flows to the next. That must’ve taken a lot of consideration. Couldn’t see how my work would fit in, and then it did! Lovely!
Wonderful show. Thanks for including my work in this show. Great diversity.
Love It!!! Thanks for the great, diverse group of art works. So much fun to see how everyone approached the theme in their own way. Thanks again for including my work Deb!
Bravo, Deb! A wonderful collection. I am honored to be included with this talented group of artists!
Nice Job Deb!
Great collection of images, Looking forward to future collections
I really like the sequencing of the work. It flows nicely from art work to art work. I am so happy to be a part of your online exhibition.
great selection of work – glad to be included . Coincidently that piece just sold today.
Thank you everyone. A bug in my browser wouldn’t let me reply, but your comments are much appreciated! and congratulations Kay!
Nice online exhibit, thanks for sharing!