Debra Ramsay's Encaustic Paintings at Franklin 54 Gallery

Written by Addie Felts Friday, 07 January 2011 22:57

New York City - Franklin 54 Gallery is pleased to present a show of encaustic paintings by Debra Ramsay.  These intricate paintings on wood are designed with the use of fragile materials in the detailed eggshell inlay and gold leaf that has been exactly applied by the artist.  Taking days to prepare the eggshells, they are individually glued onto the surface to give us a striking contrast between the hard surface of the wood and the fragileness of the eggshell.  On exhibition 1-28 February, 2007.

Ramsay’s abstract imagery is intriguing and her play with light using gold leaf (another very difficult material to use) is impressive.  Her subtle building of layered wax, scraping and reworking the surfaces all result in a wonderful radiance and luminosity.  “Anthem for the Earnest” is a combination of 4 squares, connected by the brilliant light from the gold leaf and filmy intrigue from the layering of the light and dark eggshell inlays.  Debra is most up to the challenge with these materials and is beyond successful with their uses, creating strong, interesting and quite beautiful pieces.

Debra originally from Oregon, lives and works in New York City.  Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in galleries and museums across the United States including the Whatcom Museum in Washington and Rochford and Messick Fine Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Ramsay’s works are included in many private and corporate collections.  Visit Franklin 54 Gallery at : www.artnet.com/franklin54.html