Bird imagery focus of new EAC exhibit

In recognition of May 13, Migratory Bird Day, the Edmonds Arts Commission presents an exhibit of mixed media art by Melissa Tomlinson Newell.

For the past five years Newell’s work has focused on images of birds and the exploration of media. Works in this case represent two approaches. “Re-imaging” began as a personal response to stories she read in the newspaper of poverty, war, and disasters throughout the world. She wanted to see something emerge from those stories that was hopeful.

Images of birds hold at once strength and fragility. In the contradictions of these images she found beauty and hope. A collection of 49 pieces were first exhibited in 2002 as part of a faculty show at Edmonds Community College, where Newell is an instructor in the Art Department.

The four finches and single canary that are Newell’s studio mates serve as the inspiration for new works. The process for creating these pieces involves painting oil-based etching ink on metal plates, laying a piece of paper over the plate and running it through the press. This is done as many as 30 times for each image so that layering the ink creates the image. Finally, the monoprints are mounted on board and covered in encaustic, a mixture of bees wax and damar crystals.

The exhibit continues in the EAC display case at Edmonds’ Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, through May 31. The work may be viewed during building hours, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information call 425-771-0228.