Resurrection Blooms

In Hank & Dolly's Gallery, spring has arrived with the opening of Carolyn Springer's show RESURRECTION BLOOMS. This collection of encaustic floral paintings includes Springer's most recent paintings as well as older works that she has returned to and given new life. It serves as both a retrospective of her meaningful past works and new pieces that reflect where she is now as an artist and a person. 

While Springer has worked in many mediums, from oil paint to metal, she has found that encaustic painting is her favorite. Her work begins by heating pigmented wax on a hot palette and then applying it to wood panels to create uniquely textured surfaces. This painting style is unique in that the wax dries relatively quickly, allowing the artist the opportunity to apply multiple layers to the surface.

The number of wax layers Springer applies creates a tactile quality you want to touch and feel, pairing it with the bright colors and floral forms. It also allows you to transform a piece by simply adding new layers on top of past images, creating something entirely new. Sometimes, Springer uses the former image to influence the latter, like in her painting Dantura Dancing, and other times she completely covers the old painting. 

The titles in this body of work reflect Springer's love of literature and align with Easter themes. Color in RESURRECTION BLOOMS is symbolic, depicting roses, lilies, and Lenten roses as subject matter and the themes they align with. "This body of work shows my love for Spring and the rebirth that is present in the world around us as well as the metaphors this season brings," says Springer.

"I use wax to paint the ephemeral change of the season– depicting life emerging from underground and flowers beginning to bloom. Coming out of the gloom of winter, landscapes are being seen with fresh eyes and give us hope." She depicts some flowers suspended/hanging that allude to the crucifixion and lilies to represent the resurrection. Altogether, this show is a vibrant and contemplative representation of all that Spring signifies, and you won't want to miss it.