Cove at Three Boulders – Second Place Award
Cove at Three Boulders won Second Place Award on February 25, 2025, at the Lyme Art Association Abstract Exhibition.
The composition balances muted blues, greys, and whites, evoking a subdued atmosphere reminiscent of cool coastal light and weathered stone. Against this restrained backdrop, bold accents of black and vivid orange draw the eye, punctuating the lower and left portions with energy reminiscent of granite boulders and seaweed caught in tidal movement. The surface bears a tactile, almost crumpled quality—an intentional layering of marks and distressed patterns that suggest erosion, time, and organic transformation.
This work emerged from observation of the rugged New England terrain, where vast granite formations form near the sea. The deep blacks reflect the strength of boulders against the elements, while the vibrant reds capture the life and unexpected bursts of color found in seaweed clinging to rock. These contrasts are not simply visual; they articulate a sensory dialogue between solidity and flux, permanence and change.
The process suggests an attentiveness to the interplay of color and texture, allowing the encaustic medium to reveal subtle shifts and layering while preserving vibrancy and depth. Working with fragile Asian papers introduced an additional dimension.
Cove at Three Boulders opens a contemplative space where raw natural forces are distilled into abstract forms. It invites reflection on the layered complexity of place—the way light, rock, and sea coexist in tension and harmony. This piece is a quiet celebration of nature’s enduring presence,.
