Sara Nightingale Gallery is pleased to present, Maggie Simonelli, Scatter Pearls, Heart of Water, on view now through Nov. 27th. There will be a public reception with the artist present on Saturday October 30th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Masks are required.
Maggie Simonelli explores themes of nature, feminine beauty and love primarily through material and process. Her signature encaustic “burn-in” technique begins with a mixture of beeswax and pigments which are “slow-cooked” in a double boiler. For this series, her materials include pearl dust, crushed oyster shells, coral and a range of blue pigments – many from women’s cosmetics – as well as 22 kt gold, copper and silver metal leaf. As Simonelli ads layer upon layer of satin translucent wax-based “paint”, she carves arabesque shapes and lines into the gold and metal leaf. A quote from Rumi inspired the series title:
“Love isn’t the work of the tender and the gentle;
Love is the work of wrestlers.
The one who becomes a servant of lovers
is really a fortunate sovereign.
Don’t ask anyone about Love; ask Love about Love.
Love is a cloud that scatters pearls.”
For more information on the gallery and the exhibition please visit – www.saranightingale.com.
Maggie Simonelli, Heart of Water, encaustic, 22 kt gold leaf, metal leaf, eye shadow and pigments on birch panel.
