statement
I paint because I believe the acts of creating and sharing – - an idea, a song, a design, a meal - - allow us to hold space for individual & planetary transformation & healing….at once very personal, yet accessible to all.
Drawn to the sensory, experiential nature of working with wax & paint & tools…I study & play with the elements of abstraction, texture, color & diverse shape, as the use of wax affords me an expressive platform that is joyfully reminiscent of rule-free finger painting, Playdough & “coloring outside the lines” combined. The fused energies of pigmented wax & abstraction engage me in a compelling process of discovery that is both grounding & uplifting. What emerges & connects the panel to the artist or the viewer is often delightfully unexpected. Occasionally…even a bit of whimsy(!) will manifest… What’s not to love??!!
bio
Linda Armacost is a practiced learner who self-describes as “drawing-impaired.” Following a professional healthcare career in emergency medical services, she leaned into creative yearnings & was introduced to painting with wax mediums & oil pigments…an age-old artform. Fascinated by the immersive, tactile nature of working with wax - - & captivated by all things weathered, distressed, organic, industrial & textured…. she enrolled in workshop offerings & continues to learn & paint.
At present, Linda builds abstract wax paintings on cradled panels using both encaustic (beeswax, resin & various pigments) & cold wax medium/oil paint techniques. Images she creates on absorbent papers are often applied to the cradleboard substrate & inform her paintings. Multiple layers of waxed paint application and removal invite further texturing, marking & enhancement with tools, objects, heat, punctures, abrasions, powdered pigments, scoring, oil washes, foils, sand, fire ash & quite rarely, a scavenged treasure.
A Cleveland, Ohio native, Linda has called Colorado “home” since 1978. She holds memberships with Colorado’s Foothills Art Center, Art Students League of Denver and the international Cold Wax Academy. When not experimenting with wax & oils, Linda & her husband, Michael, enjoy roaming art venues with their discriminating French bulldog, Groot.