Asheville Gallery of Art presents "Elements Unite" for November show

Asheville Gallery of Art’s November show, “Elements Unite,” will feature the work of encaustic and mixed media artist Michelle Hamilton. “I sculpt layers of colored wax on a large scale in a painterly, free-form way,” Hamilton says of her technique.  Her show will be displayed November 1-30 during gallery hours 11-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.  The public is cordially invited to a reception for the artist on Friday, November 4 from 5-8 p.m.  The gallery is located at 82 Patton Avenue in Asheville, across from Pritchard Park.

Hamilton’s exhibit uses textural capabilities of encaustics to give meaning to abstraction. “My goal was to explore a painting theme on macroscopic and microscopic levels. Each piece in my Elements series shows a different landscape of vibrant color and rich texture. The relationship between major elements in each piece seen from a distance, is similar to the effect of seeing a geological formation from a bird’s eye view. When investigated more closely, these pieces reveal a depth of detail down to the most minute level, which is meant to encourage interest and inquiry.”

Art education for Hamilton consists of workshops and classes, many of which have involved travel and exposure to different cultures. “Everything from Japanese fashion to Tim Burton has influenced my work, but my primary muse is nature (not surprising, considering the breathtaking beauty here in the Appalachian Mountains). I do not limit myself to one particular theme because it’s good to grow and change, and develop proficiency with my materials,” says Hamilton.

Hamilton explored many different mediums before trying encaustics. She describes her discovery of encaustic, “like falling in love for the first time all over again; the versatile nature of encaustics allows me to delve into mixed media and texture, which opens my mind and makes me even more passionate about art.”

As well as Hamilton’s paintings, those of the other 30 gallery members will be on display and for sale through the month of November.  For further information about this show, telephone Asheville Gallery of Art at (828) 251-5796, visit the gallery website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com, or go to the gallery Facebook page.