| Artist Bio |
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Vikkie's Seashell Artworks Gallery |
| About the Artist: I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and was introduced to art at a young age. For a city kid I was somehow equally fascinated by nature as well. When I moved to Florida in Jan. 2006 I was inspired and determined to bring these elements together. After living in Florida for two years I moved halfway back home to Asheville NC. About the Art: Some folks may look at my art and think "oh I can do that" but it's a lot more complicated then people may think at first glance. So here's a little bit about what goes into my paintings. First the seashells are collected. I spend hours and hours combing the sand and shores for the perfect and sometimes not so perfect seashells. I've driven over 2 hours to the west coast of Florida to Sanibel and Marco Island for some of the best shelling spots in the USA. Each seashell is hand rinsed in warm water. (None of my shells are store bought). Next I decide on a canvas size and what type of design theme I want to create, for example if I am going to paint an abstract or beach scene. Depending on the look I'm going for I use various materials including gesso for texture, pearl pigments for metallic shine, sands including powder white sand from Fort Myers (some colored sands are store bought though sometimes I use spray paints to enhance/change colors) and I am always trying out different techniques and experimenting with new materials. Painting alone can take several days depending on the look I am trying to achieve. Pieces that require the seashells to be painted take the longest time since I might have to apply multiple coats to the shells. After I am satisfied with the painted canvas I meticulously lay out the seashells. This may seem like the easiest step but I put a lot of thought and time into which seashells fit best with each painting. Then I prepare for the resin which is a very delicate process. The resin has to be mixed correctly, if not the resin will not dry properly and the painting will be sticky and undesirable. Depending on the size of the painting the resin stage can take awhile and has to be done under the correct temperatures for best results. Proper care must be taken as well to ensure the resin does not gather in the center of a large painting creating a pool effect. As the resin is applied air bubbles collect under the seashells causing them to slide, so each seashell needs to be pushed down to release the air. This can make smaller pieces harder as smaller seashells tend to slide around more. Gluing the seashells down is not always an option when sands are involved and glues can leave marks on the painting. Once the resin dries over a 24 hour period I then dremel the resin drips along the back of the painting so it will lay flat against a wall when hung. I also screw in my own hanging wires so when a painting is purchased it is ready to hang. I title each painting with names that I feel best represent the painting and what might have inspired me to create a particular piece. Pricing of my artwork depends on the time it took to make and the materials involved and rarity of seashells used. All of my paintings are originals and can be found no where else in the world. I might be able to recreate a similar painting but no two paintings will ever be exactly the same. I do not sell poster prints of my artwork, therefore with a purchase of my art you are purchasing something completely unique! Galleries: TAASgallery, Old Fort, NC - April - July 2008 UNCOMMON Gallery, Ft Lauderdale FL - Aug. 2007 Ansu Gallery, Hollywood FL – Nov. 2007 - Feb. 2008 Festivals: Hollywood Beach Clambake, Hollywood Beach FL – Sept 28-30 2007 Festival of the Arts, Hollywood Beach FL - Oct 20th & 21st 2007 Candy Cane Fest, Deerfield Beach, FL - Dec 15th 2007 Zen Art Fair, Wall Flower Gallery, Miami, FL Jan. 27th 2008 The Burnsville Spring Arts Festival, Burnsville, NC - May 31st, Upcoming Festival: At this time I do not have any scheduled festivals or galleries. I am taking a little bit of a break as the economy is bleak and I am broke. But I have not given up, just taking a break and I will continue to paint in the meantime! |