See Karen Ross’ artwork at AIR throughout the month

Encaustic and mixed media artist Karen Ross hopes to spark inspiration and joy through her three-week exhibit, “It’s Not That Serious”, showcased at Glencoe’s AIR Studio + Gallery through Aug. 29. 

“Art gives us all a reset,” she said. “You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate an exhibit at a gallery. What I hope more than anything is that my work leaves others feeling joyful and creative. Afterall, we are all creators; some of us create businesses, some of us create ideas, some of us create music. Whatever is your passion, art can inspire and spark new thoughts.”

Ross explained that her passion for encaustic art happened when dabbling to find a medium that spoke to her. 

Once introduced to this unique technique, she was hooked.

The process for creating encaustic art is not simple. It involves the precise amount of layering, incising and scraping to create a depth to the texture. Pigment from oil paint adds color to the wax; high heat from a blow torch melts the ingredients into a dynamic creation, resulting in a tactile and visual experience.  

For Glencoe’s Kay Russell, the result is unlike any other and left her feeling uplifted and inspired.   

“Karen Ross is incredible. The colors scream through the wax,” Russell said. “The colors are muted yet so vibrant. There is a tremendous amount of vibrancy in this art. I’m so impressed by the way she has approached this unusual artistic technique.” 

AIR’s Executive Director Beth Peterson, of Glencoe, described Ross as a dedicated worker, who desires to learn and grow from other artists. 

“Karen is such a compliment to our mission here at AIR,” Peterson said. “Her work is thoughtful, uplifting and she infuses a bit of sass. She blends in very well with our artist community, which is a fun yet serious group themselves. After the past year, uplifting art is what we all need.” 

Peterson further explained how AIR strives to be an artistic hub along the North Shore and beyond, uniting all through beauty, creativity and the positivity that art can bring. 

To see Ross’s exhibit and learn more about AIR, pop in at 348 Tudor Court in Glencoe on Thursday, Friday or Saturday between noon-5 p.m.. Sunday and all other days are by appointment.

For more information, visit airstudio348.com or visit the virtual tour at airstudio348.com/virtual-tour.