Portfolio: Lynda Ray
Recent Encaustic Paintings
By: Lynda Ray - Feb 06, 2008
Personal Geometry
Like many of the artists in the exhibition, Lynda
Ray finds inspiration in the natural world and
the many intricate patterns that exist there.
Honeycombs, faceted crystals and rafts of bubbles
are but a few of the visual stimuli she
translates onto her canvases using thick
encaustic paint. These patterns come together in
rhythm and repetition as she seeks to "explore
the relationship between the microcosm and the
macrocosm". The works assert themselves both as
geometric abstraction, surface and pattern, and
as expressively layered, fully dimensional
objects.
Nancy Sausser, Curator
McClean Project for the Arts
1234 Ingleside Avenue
McLean, Virginia 22101
http://www.mcleanart.org/
Artist Statement
The structures and shapes found in nature, and
the order that exists in apparent chaos,
influence my work. I start my painting by using a
small geometric shape; a square, triangle or
chevron repeatedly creating a pattern. Sometimes
a new structure with it's own contrasting
rhythm appears to float just above the picture
plane, mediating the pattern embedded below. At
other times I continue to explore the surface of
the canvas with this regular shape as a larger
form slowly evolves and presents itself. I
explore the aggregate structure by continuing
to use the same small unit, becoming more aware
of the tone and temperature of the marks I make.
The larger form recedes or advances, sways or
bends on the picture plane. The resultant
saturated color creates space and form that play
off of one another and bounce off the surface of
the canvas. The patterns I find in nature that
inspire me are the aerial views of the Earth,
with it's visible layered systems both natural
and manmade, honeycombs of bees, facetted
crystals, and rafts of bubbles. I see the
results of microscopic principles in the
development of large forms. My paintings are
about the relationship between the microcosm
and the macrocosm. I seek to establish a kind of
presence, rich color and seductive surface. It
is very inspirational to discover the new
possibilities in paint, surface and color as a
way to explore and value the universe. LR