"Fracking Paradox" was accepted into this Best of West Virginia show beginning November 8 and running through February 19 at Tamarack. This juried exhibition is sponsored annually by the West Virginia Department of Culture and History and receives hundreds of entries from accomplished artists throughout the State. Being accepted into this show was one of my long-term goals that I expected to take many tries to accomplish, so I was shocked and thrilled that I made it on my first try!Although I didn't plan this painting to represent anything, as the textures and colors developed, I was reminded of the controversy over the growing practice of "fracking" to expedite removal of natural gas deposits in the Marcellus Shale region. This development has been an economic boon to the State, while potentially creating environmental hazards. Thus, the paradox.
The painting is 36x12 inches on a deep gallery wrapped canvas. Among the textures are cracking paste, foil, Japanese papers, and painted collage papers. Many layers of paint and glaze give more depth to the painting.
A photograph doesn't capture the true colors and all the texture of this painting. If you get a chance to stop at Tamarack as you travel through southern West Virginia, go into the gallery and see it in person!
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