By Cindi Hamar
For The New Era
Nikki Elaine Hodges likes to make her art hot-fused.
Hodges is presenting a display of 61 pieces representing two years of her work at the Sweet Home City Hall Gallery.
The art includes both canvas oil paintings and encaustics artwork.
“Encaustics are hot wax oil paints that I make by melting beeswax with Damar resin crystals,” Hodges explained. “They are stable up to 140 degrees and must be kept out of direct sunlight. Encaustic is painted on hot, fused with fire between layers, giving the painting texture. It is alchemy.”
Hodges said illness prompted her to start painting.
“Years ago I had a serious health condition with my lower lumbar and neck, only to be complicated by two separate bouts of cancer.”
She said she turned out to be allergic to the cancer treatment and was bedridden for five years.
“During that time I began to desire to draw – having paper in bed. Once becoming mobile again, I knew I wanted to paint.”
The City Hall Gallery is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Hodges’ work will be on display through April 24.
People interested in displaying in the Sweet Home City Hall can visit SHOCASE.org for more information or contact Lee Roscoe Bragg by email at [email protected].
Hodges said her art is for sale and if viewers have questions, she is willing to visit the gallery to provide explanations or insight. Contact Hodges directly by email: [email protected]
Hodges said painting has been a therapeutic experience.
“My favorite place to paint is at home working outside under the apple trees. I am child-like and primitive in my art. I feel painting has made me green and healed.”