Kim Bruce

 

Biography
Kim started her career in interior design and established a design firm in 1983 specializing in store planning and image development. Throughout these years, she pursued formal art instruction through a varied curriculum, studying under many established artists at The Alberta College of Art & Design and The University of Calgary. Needing to express herself, for herself, and break away from the need-fulfilling function of design, Kim's years in design has enabled her to now fully devote herself to a burgeoning art career.

Mountain Range Encaustic on Panel 24 X 36 inches

Pop Encaustic on Panel 12 X 26 inches

Woods I SOLD Encaustic on Panel 24 X 15 inches	Woods II SOLD Encaustic on Panel 24 X 15 inches

Woods III SOLD Encaustic on Panel 24 X 15 inches	Woods A Encaustic on Panel 12 X 16 inches

Woods B Encaustic on Panel 12 X 16 inches	Woods C Encaustic on Panel 12 X 16 inches

Kimono III Encaustic, Oil, Gold 10 X 10 inches	Soft Encaustic, Found Objects 10 X 10 inches

Don't Cry Encaustic, Found Objects 10 X 10 inches	Ladybird's Wings Encaustic, Found Objects 10 X 10 inches

37 Cents Chiffon, Encaustic, Cents 10 X 10 inches	Grandfather's Watch Silver, Encaustic, Oil 10 X 10 inches

Snow Storm with Wind Gusts Encaustic on Panel 24 X 40 inches

Artists Statement
My approach to painting is totally spontaneously, in the moment and unstructured. This way of working and being allows a steady stream of free flowing energy. I follow my instincts and emotions with each piece, thus creating a release and exchange of energy between the work and myself. In working this way, I remain open to new and stimulating events; often creating new processes in the wake.

There has always been an ecological aspect in my work, although I am not a landscape painter in the traditional sense. Living and working in the foothills of Alberta, and being on the edge of the wilderness; surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility; is the catalyst that reveals the links between my internal and external landscape.

These abstract landscapes convey spontaneity of line, the process of mark making coupled with the play of light and dark that only the oil / encaustic process can generate. All the nuances of the wax are brought alive by the oil, while the wax provides a unique surface to manipulate the paint. Neither medium alone will provide the effects of the two combined, collectively allowing the viewer to see into the painting. The loose definition of subject matter in combination with the intricacies within the work is entrancing; holding the eye and teasing the senses.

As my creative energy flows, so it is that my medium also has flow, merging the power of the oil / encaustic medium with my own ethereal energy. The nature of working with this process is one of immediacy, which thoroughly satisfies my desire to be spontaneous and unstructured.

Link to New York Times article. An exhibition of encaustic paintings including Kim Bruce. Click HERE.

Weathered Encaustic on Panel 15 X 24 inches

Edges Encaustic on Panel 10 X 20 inches

Ridge Encaustic on Panel 12 X 30 inches

Night SOLD Encaustic on Panel 12 X 30 inches

Untitled SOLD Encaustic on Panel 18 X 30 inches

I have a question. SOLD Encaustic, Found Objects 10 X 10 inches

Drifts I SOLD Encaustic on Panel 9 x 9 inches	Drifts III SOLD Encaustic on Panel 9 x 9 inches

Care of an Encaustic Work
Although this piece has the protection of varnished, like all things it will get dusty and may produce "bloom". Bloom is a chemical reaction within the wax; it is the same white stuff that appears on your beeswax candles after you had them for a while. Temperature changes are the main cause of bloom and as with dust, can be removed with a soft cloth. Please note that a textured cloth such as terry towel can scratch. I recommend the inside face of fleece fabric or silk.