Paula Fava - ‘Elementals’
Layers of Possibility in Wax & Acrylic        

EXHIBITION DATES:     October 31 thru December 7, 2008
Opening Reception:  Sunday, November 9, 2008, 3 to 5 pm

Art as a path to the awakened heart. In her current show, ‘Elementals,' Paula Fava creates art that takes us on an alchemical journey into the soul. Ancient imagery and symbols are used in Fava's art where viewers are whisked into a world of magic & surprise. Through this work, she takes us into the dynamic and transformative facets of the elements of nature and Self, healing heartbreak through the pure joy of her visuals .

All of nature is reflected through the elements Earth, Fire, Sky, Water and Air ... the basis for all of creation. Each element has its own structure, alchemical in nature, spiritual in its confluence. In this exhibit, ‘Elementals’ at Gallery Route One, Fava invites us to explore the aspects of Self through the Five Elements. In the Indian tradition, reaching the state of Panchama arrives when a soul has attained the stage of all five elements into the One. This stage of Panchama is presented in the attached image, ‘Attaining Oneness.’

Although Fava moves easily between encaustic and acrylic mediums, the layered possibilities of the ancient art form of encaustic painting directs the majority of this exhibit at G.R.O. Capturing and reflecting light, the translucence of the encaustic medium creates layers of information, and stratums of possibility. Throughout her multifaceted life, Fava has embodied the groundedness of Earth, the passion of Fire and is now moving into=2 0the cool supportive element of Water. The realities of the encaustic medium's unpredictability keep Fava on the edge of risk as she transitions from her career as a San Francisco Firefighter into an artist healer.

“Layering & subtracting, adding & removing, reveals the hidden facets of our souls, along with all the elements in creation” states Fava. Color and texture informs Fava’s choices in the body of all her art as she mirrors her infatuation with the natural and supernatural worlds. In her quest to define herself as a healer or an artist, Fava found a balance in the spiritual aspects of the Five Elements after she began studying with a living Saint in Southern India … creating art that heals.

Far From Home in The Project Space

Chiyomi Taneike Longo: Kokoro no Tabigi, Journey of the Heart
- Curated by Inya Laskowski

HD Mott in The Annex - Encaustic Monotypes