Light Through the Trees, #15 Painting

Using graphics manipulation software (GIMP), I pixelated the human face into a 9 x 9 grid of colors. I then inverted the colors to complements of the original and saved the display. I use this display to reproduce the array of colors. I begin the painting process by 3D printing a stencil created using modeling software (Blender). Using encaustic, I adhere the stencil onto the surface of a canvas that was prepared with dark acrylic color. This dark color will serve as the grid contours, the negative space. Once the wax and stencil preparations are complete I reproduce the display onto the canvas surface. After painting the squares, I remove the stencil revealing the dark contours, and the negative space. This negative space serves to isolate the colors. Light enters the negative space, but does reflect out. The reflection of light is striking, and the contrast between the dark contours and the colors appear to illuminate. To me, the image brings recollections of broken architecture prevalent today and light passing through the trees. The image is a reminder to me of destruction and renewal, the conflicts between humankind and itself, and nature.