A model of eco-responsibility

“Our Lady of the Recycling Center” (encaustic over fiber clay with found objects), by Otty Merrill, a member of New England Wax (newenglandwax.com) who is based in Tenants Harbor, Maine.

She says in her Web site:

“Though I am surrounded by magnificent landscapes and brilliant natural light on the coast of Maine where I live and work, I tend to turn inward when making art, drawing on memories, travels and emotions. Through color, texture and often embedding photos and other materials into the surfaces of my work, I lean towards semi-abstract and interpretive imagery in my compositions. I admire the works of artists such as Harold Garde (of Maine), Milton Avery, Marsden Hartley and Mary Cassatt. You might see their influences in my work. I strive to be honest, original and hopefully a little unique, both in my artwork and my life.’’

Sail Loft, Tenants Harbor, St. George, Maine.

— Photo by Magicpiano

Dreams from before

“Three Vestiges’’ (triptych, encaustic mixed media), by Otty Merrill, who has homes in Tenants Harbor and Portland. Maine.

She says in her bio in newenglandwax.com

“My artwork tells a story that often begins with an image, a memory or an impression. Though I am surrounded by a magnificent landscapes on the Maine coast, and special light that has drawn artists to the coast for centuries, my visions and subject matter originates in kind of interior solitude. From places and people I remember or see in old photographs.

“Though my medium has changed from time to time, my style and approach is consistent and I hope, distinctive. I started my art career in pottery, then silkscreen and when I discovered the process of working with encaustic wax, about 20 years ago, that medium has dominated my senses. I often use photographs and found objects to translate my message. I love color, texture and added elements like metal, wood or a special, and often humble fragments…old tin, script, lost objects.’’

Tenants Harbor lighthouse was purchased in 1978 by Andrew Wyeth, the painter. His painter son Jamie now owns it.

The town of St. George, of which Tenants Harbor is the leading village, is indicated in red.