Joy Hagen

Artist Statement

The strength, endurance and beauty of trees and the lush abundance of forest undergrowth here in the Pacific Northwest are my sustenance and inspiration. I am blessed to be surrounded by a forest of significant trees and woodland paths right in my own backyard where I can enjoy and reflect upon the subtle interplay of light and shadow with peek-a-boo views and terrain. Therein lays the path to my creativity.

Encaustic medium is my preferred method for exploring my environment. My works are often multi-layered, assembled and constructed landscapes on reclaimed HDO and MDO wood scraps. Taking inspiration from the surroundings of my everyday life, my paintings give repose and reflection on selected bits and pieces of the natural world. My work is contemporary in nature with a Pacific Northwest point of view and a somewhat rustic character - a landscape of many paths from which to explore.