17th Annual Encaustic Conference

One of the highlight of this year Encaustic Conference, was Petah Coyne’s Keynote Lecture on the second day of the conference.

Petah Coyne, renowned for her evocative and immersive sculptural works, delivered a compelling lecture that was both thought-provoking and inspiring.   Coyne, known for her exploration of themes such as beauty, death, and transformation through her art, provided an insightful and engaging discussion about her creative process, artistic influences, and the conceptual underpinnings of her work.  She was so engaging in fact that about 1/3 of the way into her talk, she realized her slides were not showing up on the screen. None of us had noticed we were suppose to be seeing slides!

Petah Coyne is a prominent contemporary artist celebrated for her large-scale sculptures and installations that often incorporate unconventional materials. Her work is characterized by its intricate detail and it’s exploration of complex themes related to human experience and emotion.

Coyne talked about her artistic vision including her fascination with the intersection of beauty and decay.  She discussed how her works challenge the traditional notions of aesthetics by blending opulence with elements of deterioration.  Using materials such as taxidermies animals, flowers and found objects, these materials are not merely aesthetic choices but integral to the themes and emotions of her pieces.

All in attendance gained valuable insights into her artistic process and the conceptual foundations of her work.  Her discussion on the use of unconventional materials and the exploration of complex themes offered a interesting perspective on contemporary sculpture and art.

Thank you to the Illinois Arts Council for making this trip possible. ,

"This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.”