By Michelle Vandyk
Encaustic and mixed media
12″ x 18″, unframed
$490

Artist Statement:
“Tethered” is part of a larger series on LAMENT, which is a personal expression of taking my grief and painful struggles before God, while trusting in his character, promises, and unconditional love to see me through the storms of life.
This image is based on a 33 year old photograph I took in New York City. When I look at it today it reminds me that in spite of the trials of life, I find stability and comfort knowing that I’m not on my own, that I have support and a solid foundation.
To emphasize the storminess I layered layers of encaustic paint (beeswax and damar resin and pigment) and scraped them back using pottery tools to reveal the history that lay beneath. In some of the areas some gold peeks through, reminiscent of the fact that it’s through pain and life challenges that I grow as a person and become more compassionate towards others.

Artist Bio:
Michelle Vandyk is passionate about light, shadows, colours, and the relationships between God’s creation and man-made invention. Her mixed-media art reflects her belief that life is layered, textured, relational and meaningful.

Michelle has a BFA in studio arts (photography) from Calvin University. After 16 years of teaching Middle/High school Art, she is studying to be an Art Therapist. Blessed to share her passion for many forms of visual art, Michelle teaches workshops, works as an artist, and facilitates visual expression and healing through art at her new business, Abide Art & Therapy.

Currently Michelle resides with her family and her grand-dog Piper, in Chilliwack, BC.

Follow Michelle Online:
Instagram: @michelle_vandyk
Facebook: Michelle Vandyk