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Tiffany Bociek’s solo exhibition, 'Enduring Exuberance', consists of three series that were born from the artist’s internal exploration of her past, her present state of being, and a vision for her future self. This is the first in a series of exhibitions in 2024 at the gallery that will explore the curatorial theme of “Memories”. This year, we will investigate how memories shape each artist’s practice. For Bociek, Memories are a driving force and inspiration for her work. Her first series, “My Wanderers” was inspired both by the written memoirs of her ancestors and the artist’s own recollections (“past”). Her second series, “The Family Garden”, evolved from her own self reflection (“present”) depicting the feeling of time spent in her garden and its healing properties. Lastly, her third series “Tear and Share” draws from recent change and chaos that shifted her perspective on how to move forward and let go of perfectionism (“future”), while still embracing her past and present experiences. Created through encaustic (wax) painting, the exhibition underscores several states of being: well-being, challenge, chaos, and transformation. In experiencing these works, we see that the physical layering of the wax draws a lovely parallel to memories that are passed down from one generation to the next as each is added to the collective family narrative. Her practice results in the creation of a spirited scene – some almost diorama-like – that is rich with detail and imagery. The artist reflects on the circle of life, and the power of nature to ground us through her layered and sentimental works. From the Artist | I grew up with ghosts. I have walked the churchyard homes of family members I had never met; I have read the diary of my great-grandmother, crying for the heartbreak of her losses, as well as celebrating jubilance for her resilience. I live within the context of my familial history, weaving the strong relationships of my present with my ancestral connection to the past, especially when my own challenges and disruptions force me to shift and change. The refuge I find in the earthly world deepens my imagination, finding solace in my family garden, transforming the beauty of the botanicals into imaginative symbols of the profound connection between nature and the human spirit, and contains reminders of the circle of life. My Wanderers series investigates the questions of “who I am”: my past experiences, my ancestral stories, and how I fit into the patterning of the larger quilt of life. The series invokes childlike imagery and curiosity; enlightenment replaces curiosity through images of expressive female movement and freedom. Encaustic allows me to intertwine my love of drawing in combination with painting and collage, pushing images back into an ethereal haze with each layer of wax. The nature of the medium forces me to confront my perfectionism and embrace the unexpected in the artmaking process. Much like I find solace in making my work, I invite you to escape, to let go of the weight of the world, and to revel in the beauty of the imagination. With this work I aim to evoke a gentle smile, a spark of joy, and a connection to your own inner daydreamer. Bociek’s works will be on view at Sparks Gallery from January 7 – March 3, 2024 with an opening reception on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 5-8 p.m.

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