Featured Artist Laura McElfresh

Using one of the world’s oldest art mediums, artist Laura McElfresh creates nature-inspired imagery with watercolor batik on rice paper. Visit her website to enjoy more of her work.

 

 

I am a Colorado born artist, mother and wife. I’ve created since I was a little girl.

 

 

About seven years ago I found the art of batik on rice paper and settled here in a world of layers, change, unpredictability and texture.

 

 

The batik technique is centuries old. It is traditionally done on fabric using dyes and hot wax in layers.

 

 

I use the same basic process, but instead of using fabric ,I use rice paper. Instead of dye, I use watercolor pigment.

 

 

I love the risk when applying the medium, and watching the painting evolve as layers of hot wax and paint are applied.

 

 

I’m a nurturer by nature, and I’m fascinated by change and growth of all kinds. I embrace evolution both in my own life and in the world, and I thrill at the painful and beautiful process.

 

 

This is why batik speaks to me in the way it does. Layers of hot wax and paint are applied to very fine rice paper. A final coat of hot wax is applied and once dry, the painting is crumpled. This creates fissures in the wax coating which then get another coat of paint. The paint seeps into the cracks in the wax and leaves a beautiful texture.

 

 

The last step is removing all the hot wax from the painting with a hot iron to reveal the finished painting. The process is change. It fascinates me and holds many mysteries to discover.

 

 

I examine evolution and connection in my art. I’m always seeking to find what it is that causes change and often find that it is connection.

 

 

I ask through my art what this relationship looks like. How does connection (with nature and with other humans) affect change, and how can we achieve it in our lives? How do we grow as people, communities and globally? And how do we become more connected? What change is needed? How is pain part of growth?

 

Artist Laura McElfresh invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

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