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"Anything but Basic"

Whitney Buckingham-Beechie is a contemporary mixed media artist from the Pacific Northwest, best known for her innovative techniques. Her abstract work primarily revolves around utilizing torches and fire to create Encaustic paintings and her Avant-garde work with Indigo Dye.

Artist's Statement 

Inspire. Create. Encourage.  That is my Mission.

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A contemporary mixed media artist in the Pacific Northwest, my work is influenced by my background in dance and a fascination with texture and form.

 

For me, art means constantly growing, learning, and exploring. Primarily an abstract artist, my work is encaustic and mixed media with an emphasis on Indigo dye and resin. I delight in creative experimentation. The two words that best describe what drives me artistically have always been “What if?”

 

My interest with organic dye led to my creation of a technique I call “Rambunctious Indigo.” It’s an exuberant, interactive process - in dramatic contrast to traditional methods - requiring spontaneity and a willingness to relinquish control, allowing the piece the freedom to express itself. I feel that my role is to “Coax the dye to dance”. I find that this encourages me to be receptive to what develops, to be completely in the moment creatively.

 

A lifelong love of art began with drawing during my early childhood. Inspired by artistic greats such as DaVinci, Michelangelo and Bernini, my passion was further ignited by artists opening doors to limitless horizons; Pollock, Kusama, Warhol and others who helped me discover that the only rules are the ones I impose upon myself. I tend to find myself exploring new horizons, perhaps happiest blazing trails in unfamiliar territory, an artistic explorer at heart.

Community Connection

As a member of a vibrant region of artists Whitney believes in being connected to other creatives, to share encouragement and find inspiration in others' work.

 

Whitney is fortunate to associate with groups of artists that impress and embolden her work.

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  • Women Painters of Washington

  • Edmonds Art Studio Tour Steering Committee

  • Preview of the EAST at the Edmonds Arts Festival Chair

  • Women Painters of Washington Show Chair

  • Cole Gallery, Instructor

  • International Encaustic Artists

  • Spark! Creativity, Instructor 

  • Artists Connect

  • Spark Creativity 

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Fire

Known for her unique approach, she combines encaustic medium with her diverse materials; often incorporating paper, fiber, paint, and tar.

 

Whitney pushes the boundaries, creating textured mixed-media works. She adeptly explores the texture, depth, and design possibilities of this medium. 

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Water

"Rambunctious Indigo" describes Whitney's unique approach to Indigo.

 

Her role is to coax the dye to dance upon the substrate, allowing the natural beauty of the dye to express itself organically. 

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Form

Whitney is able to richly convey metaphors about the multi-faceted nature of womanhood and feminine power through her evocative three-dimensional "Strong Women" series. Her life-size female body sculptures are made from delicate materials, plaster and fabric, yet portray and underlying strength and stability through their layered forms. 

 

The "Strong Women" series explores the paradox of femininity - the tender softness and sensuality on the surface belying the hidden inner strength that allows women to uplift and support their families and communities. She adds an encouraging voice to the dialogue around perceptions of women through these bold sculptural statements. 

Teaching 

Whitney is passionate about teaching and sharing her artistic talents within her community and internationally.

 

She teaches Encaustic workshops at her studio, galleries, conferences, and international workshops, guiding students in creating encaustic paintings employing diverse materials and techniques. 

Education

She studied Art at Whitworth College, University of Washington, Bellevue College, and Edmonds College. She has also attended many workshops, conferences, and conducted independent studies in the US and throughout Europe. 

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Buckingham-Beechie's work is internationally collected and has been shown extensively, including Seattle, Portland, New York, Morrocco, Amsterdam, and Dubai.  

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