half way through the 100 day project

through day 40

watercolor pencil and photos on experimental watermedia papers...some charcoal too.

Resurrecting old ghosts: days 27-32 100 day project

100 day project

Ordinary Everyday Moments: “Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are”. Memories held most sacred…Marianne Williamson. I am both curious and scared to begin the 100 day project. I have a mobile studio, due to my schedule and commute. I will be using photographs as a springboard. Photography was my first love and continues to bring me joy. The process of being in the moment and looking outward is my oxygen.
I have files of words, collage papers, and substrates to use with the photos. Also drawing and painting materials. Sketchbooks and boards will be my substrates. Time of work will depend on my schedule. I will be able to put more time in on weekends and revisit the week’s work. 100 pieces, 100 days. This is a way to make my moments “in between” tangible and physical…to work with them beyond the making of the images…post production.

sorry I haven't been keeping up with posts!  check out my current show at Doncker's in Marquette MI, throught the month of December:  Musings, muses with Judy Sarosik: 

Melissa Hronkin

 

Artist Statement

 

Musings/Muses 2012 with Judy Sarosik

 

These small collages with beeswax represent moments, and my fascination with historic photographs.  These musings or muses are souvenirs of places that we have not yet been, and can never visit.  They are immortalized in photographs and then encased in beeswax. 

 

Current Explorations in Encaustics and Beeswax Collage:  Sweetness and Light 

 

“Melissa” means honeybee in Greek.  This realization combined with a desire to get back into the studio led me to experimentation with Encaustics, an ancient medium using pigmented beeswax.  I approached this medium experimentally, and used it as a medium to bind together my photography, drawing, sculptures, and ideas.  There is no heartbreak that a little beeswax can’t patch back together.  I also became a beekeeper. Working with the bees and harvesting honey and wax has brought me to an intimate place with the medium and the fascinating creatures that produce it.

 

The Story

I am an Artist and Art Educator.  My journey began as an observer, photographer, maker of things, and a daughter of teachers.  I am also a student, continually evaluating and discovering theoretical and practical aspects of the Visual Arts.

 My camera allowed me to negotiate a space for myself during my teens and early twenties.  The University of Alaska Anchorage allowed me to experiment with drawing, mixed media, and autobiographical photography.  Minneapolis College of Art and Design was where my photography became sculpture and installation, but referenced the spiritual and machine-like aspects of image making.  Artist as Alchemist became my fascination.

 

What followed was my retreat back to rural Michigan.  Here, I pursued Art Education, and found it to be as fascinating as creating art myself; how can I inspire others to find their unique vision—while still maintaining my artistic vision?

 

Lessons from the Hive

check out images of my latest show at:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.384113684942650.88919.242328329121187&type=3

New Explorations...winter break 2011