April 2011
Shain Gallery in Charlotte, NC, Features Works by Mel Rea
Shain Gallery in Charlotte, NC, will open an exhibit of new original works of art from encaustic artist Mel Rea, on view from Apr. 8 - 30, 2011. A reception will be held on Apr. 8, from 6-9pm.
After 17 years of working with clay, much in need of a change, and discovering the last batch of beeswax from her grandfathers’ apiary, Rea embraced the art of encaustic painting (painting with hot beeswax). Rea’s grandmother parted with her grandfathers’ wax as the family fondly remembered walking amongst her grandfathers’ hives.
Artistically the transition from 3-dimensional clay to 2-dimensional wax felt quite natural to the artist. It gave her the option to dig, scratch, and sculpt the surface as she had done in clay. Rea is fascinated with influence; whether it be the layers of human experience or the influence of natures elements on material objects. Rea’s surfaces give hints to what may be happening underneath; to entice the viewer to draw in closer. The sheerness of each layer of wax gives the surface a similar illumination to clay glazes.
The technique of encaustic painting seems so strangely familiar to Rea, it still gives the artist pause to wonder. Her full name is Melissa…the Greek word for “honeybee”.
Rea’s work, both clay and paintings, are in numerous private and corporate collections nationwide. Her clay has been published with numerous accolades, while her painting career is quickly receiving equal attention. Her encaustic work is soon to be published in the upcoming book 100 Midwest Artists.
Located in beautiful Myers Park, Shain Gallery has been on the forefront of the North Carolina art scene since 1998. The gallery represents many leading national and regional artists, and recently won the “Best of the Best Award” for best Charlotte gallery.
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